St. Benilde and Jose Rizal have changed places this year, with the Blazers turning from worst to one of the best and the Bombers dropping from one of the best to worst.
The resurgent Blazers seek to sustain their strong start as they take on the Bombers, who are noticeably turning out weaker than hyped, in today’s resumption of the 84th NCAA basketball tournament at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Unlike last season when it lost all but one elimination round game, the Taft-based school has picked up two head-turning wins and appeared headed for a third triumph against last year’s runner-up Letran before an endgame collapse dealt it a 75-88 loss – its first – Friday.
The Blazers would be playing their fourth game in eight days so coach Gie Abanilla kept reminding his players to keep focused.
“More than anything else, we have to be prepared mentally, stay focused and show character,” said Abanilla, who replaced Caloy Garcia four months ago.
In contrast, Jose Rizal, tipped as one of the strongest teams this year keeping an intact line-up, have dropped two straight games including a 54-57 decision at the hands San Sebastian in a match the former could have won.