MANILA, Philippines — In our preview for the College of St. Benilde Blazers, we wrote: “This year, although there was excitement, they glided in under the radar what with the injuries to Haruna and Leutcheu. Justin Gutang was chill as was Dixon. There are still expectations. And in spite of that, it is entirely possible they will do better.”
We postulated that they didn’t do too well when there were expectations last season. This season, after struggling in the preseason, they didn’t rate too highly. However, the low-profile approach could work as they are under the radar.
True enough, the Blazers are at 3-0 — one of two undefeated teams in NCAA Season 95 thus far (the other being — no surprise here — San Beda which sports the same record as CSB).
CSB defeated Emilio Aguinaldo College, 69-66, Perpetual Help, 75-63, and Mapua, 71-67. Granted the three teams are at the bottom half of the standings, this still is good because you still have to beat them no matter how close the match is. The wins and closing them out in the clutch will give the Blazers the confidence as they next face the top tier squads.
The Blazers are currently seventh on offense and second on defense.
Why is CSB struggling offensively? That is because they are missing Yanqui Haruna, who hasn’t played yet as he missed the last few months due to an injury. According to CSB head coach, Haruna is listed as day-to-day.
Dixon hasn’t performed to the level he has. In his final season, Dixon is averaging a disappointing 6.7 points per game.
The only players averaging in double digits are Justin Gutang (12.7) and James Pasturan (11.7).
If the Blazers want to defeat the top tier teams and compete for a Final Four slot, they will need Clement Leutcheu (8.5 points and 6.0 rebounds), Unique Naboa (5.7 points and 2.0 assists) and Dixon to step up.
Dixon is crucial because of his skill set. He can shoot, drive, rebound and pass that ball. He needs to really gain that confidence that he showed during the preseason.
Ladis Lepalam is a rookie so we can cut him slack. But the veterans on this team have to step up. It is the last season for Leutcheu, Haruna, Domingo and Dixon. If they don’t go far, they’ll be in rebuilding mode again for next season.
At 3-0, they need to continue to climb up that ladder.
Definitely the defections of Paolo Javillonar and Jay Pangalangan hurt. For sure they were blind-sided, but they cannot make excuses for that now. This is the time for everyone to step up.
CSB can play so much better. They just have to want it.