The Benilde Blazers got a timely boost on Friday when big man Allen Liwag returned to action after missing the team’s first 10 games in the NCAA Season 102 Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Liwag’s return, however, couldn’t spark the Blazers to a win as they dropped a close 85-79 loss to the JRU Heavy Bombers, putting a dent in Benilde’s quest to earn a win-once incentive heading into the playoffs. That incentive, though, is still within the Blazers’ reach, as all it takes is a win later today against the San Beda Red Lions, whom Benilde already beat, 77-68, in the season opener.
And they will have the back-to-back reigning MVP when they face their rivals.
Allen Liwag Is Focused on Winning It All
For all his individual success, Allen Liwag has not won the biggest prize in college basketball: a championship. Benilde came close in Season 100 but ultimately fell short against the Mapua Cardinals. Then, in Season 101, the Blazers lost in the Final Four to eventual champion San Beda. Naturally, the two-time MVP is eyeing the title this year, which is also his last in the collegiate ranks.
“Sa akin kasi, ‘yung achievement na ‘yun nung past two years [MVP], hindi ko na siya masyado iniisip eh,” Liwag told reporters after Benilde’s loss to JRU. “Mas more on focus ko is kung paano ako makatulong sa team namin na makuha ‘yung goal namin, which is ‘yung championship.”
A big step toward attaining that goal could be beating San Beda and netting that win-once incentive for the quarterfinals.
Adjusting to the Team Is on Allen Liwag
Learning to play together—Liwag with his teammates and the Blazers with Liwag—should also be critical. To this end, the burly big man knows it is on him to adjust and not the other way around.
“Ang mentality ko lang naman, ako kailangan ‘yung mag-gel sa team namin kasi matagal nga ako nawala, and grabe din ‘yung ginawa ng team habang wala ako,” Liwag pointed out. “So ako ‘yung kailangan mag-adjust sa nilalaro nila, hindi yung sila ‘yung mag-adjust sa akin.”
That period of adjustment has already begun. It needs to pick up with the playoffs just around the corner.
