By: Bjorn Del Deade
Allen Liwag and Tony Ynot remain noncommittal about their plans for next season with College of Saint Benilde.
However, both Blazers expressed their shared goal of bringing the NCAA title to Benilde, following their 94-82 defeat against the Mapua Cardinals in the NCAA Season 100 Seniors Basketball Finals.
“Gusto namin bumawi para sa kung anong nangyari sa amin ngayon. Gusto ko ding mag-champion bago ako umalis sa college,” said Ynot, a member of the Mythical Team.
“Tingnan natin. Depende pa… Tingnan ko pa next year kung anong mangyayari.”
Ynot delivered a stellar performance in Game 2, tallying 17 points, five rebounds, and three assists.
During the elimination round, the versatile guard averaged 10.14 points, 5.43 rebounds, 4.29 assists, and 1.36 steals.
His performances earned him a spot on the Mythical Team as he powered the Blazers to a 14-4 record.
The former San Beda Red Cub joined Benilde in April 2023 alongside Justine Sanchez. After serving a one-year residency in Season 99, Ynot made an immediate impact in his rookie season with the Blazers.
Meanwhile, Season 100 MVP and Defensive Player of the Year Allen Liwag also feels determined to bounce back but plans to focus on family first before making a decision.
“Babawi kami. Yun lang… Spend ko muna yung time ko ngayon sa family ko, then balik sa trabaho,” said Liwag, who finished Game 2 with a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds.
“Credits na lang sa Mapua, sa tingin ko para sa kanila to.”
Liwag had an exceptional season, averaging 14.61 points, 11.28 rebounds, 2.33 assists, and 1.22 blocks.
His dominance earned him the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year honors, making him the fourth Blazer in history to win the prestigious MVP award, joining Sunday Salvacion (2002), Jay Sagad (2005), and Will Gozum (2022).
However, the Cavite-born standout downplayed his individual accolades in light of the finals loss.
“Di magma-matter yun kung di ka nag-champion. So para sa’kin, wala lang din,” he admitted.
“Mas masarap pag champion talaga.”
Liwag, who transferred from Emilio Aguinaldo College after NCAA Seasons 97 and 98, made headlines in January 2023 when he officially joined CSB.
A key figure in the Blazers’ 14-4 elimination round campaign, Liwag’s presence in the paint proved pivotal throughout the season.
Both players are leaving the door open for a potential return, fueled by the unfinished business of capturing the NCAA crown.
