After going 0-7 since 2019, the Benilde Blazers have finally destroyed their Letran curse by winning Game 2 in superb fashion.
Migs Oczon played in Game 2 and he went nuts.
Will Gozum and Miggy Corteza went down with cramps and they were instrumental in crunch time.
Benilde played with a lot of confidence and composure that were absent during their first outing.
And now, we have a series.
It sucks that Fran Yu's last play didn't end with a clutch bomb or an awesome assist. Instead, it's a crack to the skull that Mark Sangco sold awesomely. You can say that Yu whacked him hard or Sangco just got a Best Actor trophy but it was a move a starter of his caliber shouldn't have made.
Moreso, the team captain.
While I still think Letran's starters are better than Benilde's starters, the Blazers now have momentum and more or less a bench mob to combat the mighty Knights.
Usually, the MVP is probably the player that would lose the series but not on this day. Gozum, the former UP Fighting Maroon, became the third Benilde player after Sunday Salvacion and Jay Sagad to win the MVP award. Gozum also headlined the Mythical Five selection alongside Arellano's Cade Flores, San Beda's JB Bahio and James Kwekuteye, and Letran's King Caralipio. I like Gozum's gameplay and while I think Caralipio is better off using his final year of eligibility, there is no question that his current resume is good enough for at least a late first-round or early-second-round mention. The same can be said with Bahio and Kwekuteye although the latter has a better chance to play significant minutes in the PBA at the moment.
Game 3 is going to be played at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City, Rizal and I don't know if the arena can contain a surplus of blue and green bodies shouting expletives at their opponents. I know there is some sort of barangay-level shade-throwing here but it's fun - even if the fan chants are that messed up.
I am still looking for a Letran victory here but I must admit, I am going to side with them with a hint of nervous caution. Again, they have a week to sort out their problems, and with no Fran Yu, and Season 97 clutch performers Rhenz Abando and Jeo Ambohot in their squad, Letran needs to dial down on the intimidation plays and let their talents flourish.
Benilde just needs to follow Charles Tiu's system and play with heart. Now they know that they can win if they are physically and mentally present.