Blazers barely escape after wasting huge lead

MANILA, Philippines — If there’s a win where one feels bad, this one has got to be it for coach Charles Tiu and his St. Benilde Blazers.

“This is probably the worst win in my life,” said Tiu following his team’s 96-94 overtime escape against a stubborn San Sebastian yesterday that kept CSB at the helm in NCAA Season 100 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

“I’m really, really mad. That’s an embarrassment. We’re a joke right now. You give up 31 turnovers, parang binigay mo sa kanila bola. Nakakahiya talaga. We’re lucky we got away with the win,” said Tiu, whose charges improved to 6-1.

The Blazers got away with the win after wasting a 26-point lead. As punishment, Tiu said he would put his players into hell during today’s resumption of practice.

Tony Ynot stepped up in OT where he scored five of his team-best 23 points, which he garnished with eight rebounds and the same number of assists that somehow made up for his six turnovers.

“Nag-relax kami sa fourth quarter,” said an apologetic Ynot.

In the other game, San Beda drew a career-best 22-point effort from Jomel Puno and a crucial triple late in regulation fron Bryan Sojenia as the Lions downed bitter rivals Letran Knights, 66-64, to stay in the magic four with a 4-3 record.

The Knights dropped from second to third with a 5-3 mark.