It's bigger than basketball.
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde's 79-68 triumph over Lyceum University of the Philippines on Tuesday didn't only mean that the Blazers finally barged into the win column of the NCAA Season 97 following an opening day loss to Letran.
The hard-earned win also had extra meaning as they offered it to the loved ones of some teammates who were injured or passed away recently.
It was also dedicated to former CSB mentor TY Tang, who migrated to Canada with his family last year.
"I dedicate this win to coach TY, who I know is still supporting and cheering for us even if he is in Canada right now. Feels nice to get the win but it's just one game," current Blazers head coach Charles Tiu shared in the post-game interview.
Tiu also bared that the ongoing bubble set up by the NCAA has proven difficult as players couldn't be with their loved ones.
"To be honest, it's very hard. I have a player whose grandmother just passed away today and then hindi siya makaalis, so how can we grieve for our loved ones? I have a player, yung mommy naman niya naaksidente rin," Tiu said.
Big man Ladis Lepalam's grandmother passed away this morning while Mark Sangco's mother figured in an accident that caused her injuries.
"I feel for the players. In fact, I asked them if they wanna go home and be with their parents, it's okay with me because family is still more important. We're just here playing basketball but if you have to be your loved ones, I really think that's more important."
Tiu said it was tough to field the players despite these challenges in their personal lives but said they just felt blessed to be able to return to the hardwood after a long hiatus.
"It's tough to be in a bubble, these guys miss their families and especially because they've already seen everything outside is opened up and sila medyo limitado," Tiu added.
"But as I tell them, they're blessed to be playing basketball again after a long wait. Tiis na lang tayo kasi short season lang naman. As I told the boys, we offer up our games to them and try to honor our parents and honor God every time we play."
—JMB, GMA News
