Allen Liwag is back like he never left.
In his first three games donning the green and white of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, the big man was all business as he starred for the Blazers in their blistering start to NCAA Season 100.
With Liwag manning the paint for Benilde, the Taft crew was able to eke out a comeback win over Mapua University, an escape act from San Beda University, and a convincing victory against Emilio Aguinaldo College — all of whom are considered title contenders this season.
At the center of it all was Liwag. His stellar and steady outings for coach Charles Tiu and the Blazers earned the 6-foot-6 the first Collegiate Press Corps NCAA Player of the Week award for the period September 7 to 15.
“Siguro, mas OK ang game ko kapag relaxed ako,” Liwag said as they went 3-0 early in the tournament.
“Siyempre, sobrang laking bagay sa line up namin na kada posisyon, mayroong kayang umiskor at mag-create. Para sa akin, thankful lang ako na lahat kami nagke-create para sa isa’t isa.”
Liwag, who spent his one year residency period competing in a number of international leagues, delivered on his promises after churning out a huge double-double against the Cardinals on the opening day with 23 points and 18 rebounds on top of three blocks and one assist.
In their early heavyweight collision against the defending champions Red Lions last Tuesday, Liwag showed up anew with another double-double showing of 12 markers and 14 boards to go with three blocks and two dimes.
He may have struggled offensively against his former team EAC last Saturday, but Liwag made his presence felt on the other end with 15 rebounds to go with seven points, three assists, two blocks, and one steal.
Liwag bested his teammate Tony Ynot, San Sebastian College-Recoletos' Paeng Are, University of Perpetual Help System DALTA rookie Mark Gojo Cruz, and San Beda’s Bryan Sajonia for the weekly award.
—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News
