FORMER Batang Gilas standout Will Gozum showed why he is one of the players to watch in the ongoing 93rd National Collegiate Athletic Association junior basketball tournament.
The 6’4” Gozum has become one of the top performing hoopsters of the defending champion Mapua Red Robins.
His averages of 13 points and 9.5 rebounds has put him just behind the team’s top guns, Jeff Sapinit and Clint Escamis. Skipper Warren Bonifacio and Carl Lacap are also among the players who are doing well for the Red Robins.
Last Friday, the 18-year-old Gozum helped win the game for the Red Robins. He scored on a layup from the inside the paint off Carl Lacap’s assist in the last 17 seconds.
His basket lifted the Red Robins to an 81-76 overtime win over the Letran Squires at the Arena in San Juan.
The Red Robins moved into the solo lead with their 11-2 win-loss record ahead of the La Salle Greenhills Greenies, who have a 10-3 card. The Red Robins and the Greenies are set to meet on Thursday.
On the other hand, the 8-5 record of the Squires put them in a share of third with San Beda Red Cubs.
The Greenies dropped to second after absorbing a 67-71 upset at the hands of the San Sebastian Staglets.
The Staglets climbed to a share of third with the Red Cubs because of their latest victory.
“Bumawi lang. Bad ang shooting ko,” said the 6’4” Gozum, who made 10 points and dominated the boards with 21 rebounds.
Gozum’s shot gave the Red Robins a much-needed four-point cushion in the remaining time.
The Red Robins, led by Lacap with 21 points, are now a win away from claiming the first slot in the Final Four semifinals. Peter Atencio
Coach Randy Alcantara said he expected the Red Robins to have a tough time with the Squires.
“Siguro, nasa kundisyon lang kami. Kasi, meron pa kami hanggang huli,” said Alcantara.