Previously donning different colors in the NCAA, Allen Liwag and Justine Sanchez are now wearing the same colors for De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde and both players are hoping for the best as the Blazers already claimed a ticket to the Final Four.
The Blazers formalized their entry after winning against University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, 61-56, on Wednesday.
Liwag is new in this territory as his former team Emilio Aguinaldo College did not reach the playoffs when he was still there.
"Sobrang nakakatuwa kasi napasama ako sa ganitong team and grateful ako sa nangyayari ngayon," Liwag told GMA News Online.
"Kung ano ang mindset ko noong pagdating ko sa NCAA, ganoon pa rin ang babaunin ko sa playoffs."
The frontrunner for the Most Valuable Player plum also said he feels more confident with his team now, especially with the support he has been receiving.
"Mas ramdam ko na mas nalalabas ko ang potential ko sa paglalaro. Wala akong masabi sa tiwala nila sa akin. Magkamali ako sa loob, or katulad ngayon medyo off ako, pero nandoon pa rin sila, chini-cheer up nila ako. 'Yung tiwala nila 'di nawawala," he added.
Sanchez, meanwhile, is familiar with the situation as he has also been in the Final Four with his previous team San Beda University.
For him, he wants to move past the Final Four stage.
"Gagawin ko lang ang best ko. History to kasi Season 100. Gusto ko makuha ang championship. Taos na ako sa Final Four. Gusto ko champion naman," Sanchez said.
Sanchez also hopes that as a veteran, his teammates continue to listen to him, especially since he has been playing in the league since his high school days with the Red Cubs.
"'Di naman ako nagkukulang sa pagiging vocal sa team. Kahit sa practice at game, lagi ako nagsasalita kasi kung anong nakikita kong support, gusto ko aware sila."
The Blazers, however, are still not yet done as they eye a twice-to-beat advantage with their remaining games in the elimination round against tough contenders Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Mapua University, San Beda University, and Lyceum of the Philippines University.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
