NCAA: Charles Tiu says CSB gave Letran ‘good fight’ despite loss

Charles Tiu, coach of the CSB Blazers. NCAA PICTURES

MANILA, Philippines — St. Benilde College coach Charles Tiu is pleased with his team’s effort despite losing to Letran on Saturday.

The Blazers suffered a 74-66 loss in a match that was only decided at the last minute.

“I can’t be disappointed, we fought hard and really gave them a good fight. We just let go in the end, we missed rebounds when we needed them. Game breaks, that’s what it is,” Tiu said.

“I think it will help us in the long run. Games like these, we need these games to improve and check where we are. Obviously, we are not yet at their level, we have lost against them twice but this defeat I can accept it”, he added.

The loss sent St. Benilde (9-3) into second place with Letran occupying the top.

Tiu, however, doesn’t seem worried about his team’s drop in the standings.

“Our first step now is to get the Final Four and I’d like to get a top two spot if we can, but we’ll still be up against a lot of teams.”

CSB hopes to bounce back on Tuesday against Jose Rizal University, a team that Tiu sees as a Final Four contender.

“I still think JRU are a Final Four team, they are tough, physical and talented. The only thing is they are not such a big team but they have players who can really play. It will be a tough game for us,” Tiu said.