De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde big man Allen Liwag lifted four trophies in the NCAA Season 100, but none of it was the championship trophy that he wanted the most.
The 23-year-old Liwag was crowned the Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year before Game 2 of the Blazers’ best-of-three finals series against Mapua University that eventually saw the latter end a 33-year title drought on Saturday.
On top of it, he was also awarded as a Mythical Five and Defensive Team member, but the 6-foot-6 forward had a hard time translating the individual brilliance to something more than a runner-up finish, something that he couldn’t help but lament.
“Wala eh, hindi naman magma-matter ‘yun if hindi ka nag-champion. So para sa akin wala lang ‘yun. Mas masarap pag champion talaga,” Liwag told reporters.
“Hindi ko alam sasabihin ko. Credit talaga sa Mapua. Sa tingin ko para sa kanila 'to," he said.
Liwag was at a loss for words as Benilde was marred with turnovers in the series loss, with the Cardinals looking primed and steady in both occasions.
“Kami pa rin tumalo sa sarili namin. Kasi turnover eh. Tapos they turn it into points ‘yun talaga masakit doon,” Liwag said.
“Play with discipline and alagaan ‘yung bola every possession. Cause every possession counts,” he added.
Liwag, although determined to redeem himself right away, is also looking forward to rebooting and recovering from the grueling season with his family in Cavite before resuming work.
“Gusto ko na agad bumawi. Pero spend time muna with family, then balik sa trabaho,” he concluded.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
