Right in his first game back in the NCAA after a one-year residency, Allen Liwag made quite the statement that he's an MVP caliber player.
He poured in a huge double-double of 23 points and 18 rebounds to go with three blocks and one assist to star in De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde's 78-65 stunner against Mapua University last September 7.
Ever since then, the only thing that the 6-foot-6 bruiser has been doing is outdo what he did the day before.
But while he's among the frontrunners to win the MVP honors, Liwag remains dead set on what truly their goal is: an NCAA championship.
"Hindi ko rin masyadong iniisip kung ano man ‘yung mga sinasabi ng nasa labas or sa social media kasi iba naman talaga ‘yung goal namin this season, ‘yung championship," Liwag said.
"Doon kami focus."
[I'm not thinking about what people outside or on social media are saying because we have a different goal this season - the championship... That's what we're focused.]
Blazers head coach Charles Tiu is also happy with what they're getting from the former EAC standout, but stressed on the need for him to mature more as the squad goes deeper in their title conquest.
Currently, Liwag is among the league's best scorers with 14.08 points per game while he leads the field in rebounds with 11.42 boards. In blocks, Liwag is averaging 1.17 rejections.
"I can’t complain with the way that he’s playing. Ang maganda kay Allen is he’s not forcing things, he just takes whatever the defense gives him so hindi naman siya naghahabol ng points or ano," Tiu said.
[I can't complain with the way that he's playing. The good thing about Allen is he's not forcing things, he just takes whatever the defense gives him so he's not hunting points or anything.]
"I just told him to make his presence felt in offense and defense and make good decisions. Yeah, he’s been playing great and I hope he can continue to develop and mature throughout the season."
With Liwag leading the show for the Blazers, they have now bolstered their hold of the top spot with a 10-2 record behind a four-game winning streak.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
