Center of the University of St. Benilde Will Gozum after the Blazers’ victory over Letran Knights in Game 2 of the NCAA Season 98 Men’s Basketball Finals at the Araneta Coliseum. NCAA photo
MANILA, Philippines—Star of St. Benilde and newly chosen MVP Will Gozum found extra momentum in Game 2 of the NCAA Season 98 Men’s Basketball Finals on Sunday.
After the Blazers’ 81-75 loss in the opening match of the final, CSB coach Charles Tiu praised center Letran Louie Sangalang for leading the Knights to victory.
Sangalang finished with a career-high 24 along with 10 bounces to outplay Gozum, earning praise from Tiu, who described the battered boxer as the MVP of Game 1.
Tiu’s words lit the fire in Gozum.
“I challenged myself then. Louie was heavy and hard to stop so I challenged myself and it worked. Of course, I credit the coaches for that,” Gozum said after Benilde’s 76-71 win in Game 2.
Gozum responded with 21 points and 10 bounces while limiting Sangalang to just 11 points and 10 bounces.
He also made a tough forehand drive that put the Blazers ahead, 73-71, with 55 seconds left.
“He takes a big shot in the long run, with his left — and I always tell him he doesn’t have a backhand — and he looks like the MVP today. ,” said Tiu.
“Actually, I practice that skill (left-handed stroke), sometimes it’s really my weak point, but I’m working on improving it,” Gozum said.
Gozum hopes to lead Benilde to his first NCAA title in 22 years on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
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