Blazers, Knights set title duel

MANILA, Philippines — College of St. Benilde’s dream season rages on.

The Blazers added another first to its long list of breakthrough feats as they edged the San Beda Lions, 62-61, yesterday to secure a spot in the NCAA finals for the first time in over two decades.

A Final Four first-timer in 20 years, St. Benilde extended its Cinderella run in getting past San Beda in their semis duel.

“This year could be our year, I hope its going to be our destiny but of course, the finals will be tougher,” said CSB coach Charles Tiu. “I’m happy for the Benilde community because there has been a lot of hearbreaks, at least we’re back in the finals.

“We achieved another goal. Hopefully, we achieve one more,” added Tiu, on track to leading the Blazers to a second NCAA crown after their breakthrough championship in 2000.

The Blazers look to go all the way back to the top versus the Letran Knights who trounced the Lyceum of the Philippines U Pirates, 67-58, in the other semis match.

Game One of the best-of-three finals is Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Migz Oczon, who wasn’t even born yet when CSB last made the finals, was at the center of the CSB storm as the 22-year-old Davao City-born guard unleashed a game-high 17 points including a pristine eight-of-eight clip from the free throw line.

The last two charities, in fact, sealed the win as San Beda gunslinger James Kwekuteye’s potential game winning three-pointer clanked off the rim.

It made up for a horrendous shooting from the field where he went three of 15 with all of his field goals coming from beyond the arc.

But his Midas Touch from the line was enough to help the Blazers get to the finals.