College of Saint Benilde surged to the top of the NCAA Season 100 seniors’ basketball standings with a perfect 3-0 record after the first week of competition.
In their opening three games, the Blazers defeated last season’s finalists, Mapua University Cardinals and San Beda University Red Lions, as well as the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals. The Blazers showcased a formidable lineup led by transferees Tony Ynot, Justine Sanchez, and Jhomel Ancheta.
However, the standout performer has been 6-foot-6 big man Allen Liwag, who served as the Blazers’ rock, anchoring their defense and playing a key role in their strong start.
Liwag, a former EAC player, has been a revelation for Benilde, averaging a double-double of 14.0 points and 15.7 rebounds, along with 2.7 blocks and 2.0 assists per game in the team’s first three contests. His outstanding performance earned him the Collegiate Press Corps NCAA Player of the Week award for September 7 to 15.
In St. Benilde’s 78-65 victory over Mapua, Liwag delivered a monster game with 23 points, 18 rebounds, three blocks, and an assist. He followed that up with a 12-point, 14-rebound performance, adding three blocks and two assists, as the Blazers edged reigning NCAA champions San Beda Red Lions in overtime, 70-65.
Although limited to seven points against his former team, EAC, Liwag still made his presence felt by grabbing 15 rebounds, dishing out three assists, and recording two blocks and a steal in a dominant 77-55 win.
Liwag credited his strong start to the depth of the Blazers’ roster, which allows him to play more freely.
“Siguro, mas OK ang game ko kapag relaxed ako,” Liwag shared. “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.”
This 3-0 start mirrors St. Benilde’s strong opening in Season 98, when they made it to the finals. The Blazers’ success this season stems from having a versatile group ready to step up when called upon, with Liwag leading the charge.
“My message to them before the season started is I want to have a team that every game, somebody else is the best player or somebody else is stepping up. It’s part of our plan, and that’s why we develop guys throughout the long offseason to be ready for this moment,” said head coach Charles Tiu.
Liwag edged out his teammate Ynot, San Sebastian’s Paeng Are, Perpetual Help rookie Mark Gojo Cruz, and San Beda’s Bryan Sajonia for the weekly award, which is supported by Discovery Suites.
