NCAA finals loss to Mapua dampens dominant season for Benilde star Allen Liwag

MANILA, Philippines – St. Benilde star Allen Liwag joined elite company as he earned the Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year honors in NCAA Season 100.

The 6-foot-6 big man became just the sixth player to win both awards in the same season after San Beda’s Sam Ekwe (2006) and Sudan Daniel (2010), Letran’s Raymond Almazan (2013), Mapua’s Allwell Oraeme (2015 and 2016), and Perpetual’s Prince Eze (2018).

However, losing the last game of the season somehow diminished his individual feats.

Liwag and the Blazers fell short of the championship after a finals sweep at the hands of Mapua, which ended a decades-long drought on Saturday, December 7, as the Cardinals captured their first title since Season 67 in 1991.

“Those do not matter if you’re not a champion,” said a dejected Liwag in Filipino after their 92-84 loss in Game 2 of the best-of-three series. “For me, those are nothing. It feels better when you’re a champion.”

Liwag still put up his usual numbers with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks, but the well-oiled Mapua offense just proved too much for Benilde.

While the Blazers limited Clint Escamis to 18 points after his 30-point explosion in Game 1, the Cardinals’ supporting cast stepped up, with Marc Cuenco (19), Lawrence Mangubat (17), and Chris Hubilla (15) all scoring in twin digits.

“Credits to Mapua. I think this is really for them,” said Liwag.

It did not help Benilde that the team averaged 21.5 turnovers in the finals, which resulted in an average of 24 points off turnovers for Mapua.

“We beat ourselves because of turnovers,” said Liwag. “[We need to] play with discipline and take care of the ball every possession. Every possession counts.”

As early as now, Liwag already has his sights set on redemption as he looks to guide the Blazers to their first championship since 2000.

“We’ll be back,” he said. – Rappler.com