Lastimosa returns to CSB, aims to help Blazers' Final 4 push

Carlo Lastimosa, last season's NCAA Rookie of the Year, has returned to the College of Saint Benilde Blazers in time for the team's final push for a Final Four berth. Lastimosa asked to be released from the team two weeks ago after a his parents and team management had a brief falling out. Both parties settled their differences paving the way for Lastimosa's return to the Blazers, who have three games remaining in the season but are still in contention for a place in the semifinals with a 5-10 win-loss card. Lastimosa played in CSB's 84-75 loss to San Beda Wednesday. Prior to the start of the Blazers-Red Lions match, Lastimosa said he is looking forward to his return after a 10-day absence. "I'm happy that I'm back," said Lastimosa before the game. "I'm hoping that we can win our remaining games so that we have a chance of clinching a Final Four berth." Lastimosa said that he only practiced with the team Tuesday adding that he's still in shape after he joined his former team's practice when he returned to Cagayan De Oro. "Even though I'm not with the team, I was still practicing. I'm still getting used to the feel of the game because I was not practicing with the team and we had a game immediately." Lastimosa's return will be vital to the Blazers, who are in deep need of a scoring threat, as he is leading his team in scoring with 14.7 points a game. The Blazers are also missing another scoring option in Paolo Romero, who had already migrated abroad with his family. — Reuben Terrado/JVP, GMA News