jili777 NCAA: Allen Liwag owes stellar campaign to coach Charles Tiu

Allen Liwag looks on during Game 2 of the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball Finals against Mapua.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Despite falling short of winning the NCAA title, College of St. Benilde star Allen Liwag still had much to be thankful for following an impressive first year with the Blazers.

A force to reckon with, Liwag was hailed MVP and Defensive Player of the Year as he spearheaded Benilde’s run to the Finals. Showered with accolades, Liwag refused to bask in the glory alone.

Article continues after this advertisement

“I’m just trying to repay the trust that he’s giving me,” Liwag told Inquirer Sports in Filipino, owing much of his success to his head coach Charles Tiu.

FEATURED STORIES SPORTS After UAAP disappointment, Ateneo recruitment begins SPORTS UAAP Finals: La Salle, UP know nothing is decided yet after Game 1 SPORTS Alas shrugs superstitious worry after doubled court time READ: NCAA Finals: Allen Liwag left speechless after Benilde heartbreaker

College of St. Benilde coach Charles Tiu during Game 2 of the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball Finals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“It just feels good to have a coach like that, someone who will really trust you,” he added after a 94-82 loss to Mapua, which ended a 33-year title drought, on Saturday.

Hounded on defense all series long, Liwag did all he could in hopes of extending the Blazers’ season logging 37 minutes and finishing with 14 points and 10 rebounds in Game 2.

Article continues after this advertisement

Liwag may have not been able to repay Tiu the best way possible after the Blazers got swept by the Cardinals in the title series but the 6-foot-6 center will get another crack next season.

Article continues after this advertisement

“We’ll start again, back to the fundamentals just so we can clean and fix everything. Now though, I just want to spend time with my family first,” he said.

“As far as I know, I still have two [playing years].”

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

SIGN ME UP

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.jili777

READ NEXT Shohei Ohtani ‘very unlikely’ to pitch in Dodgers&... After UAAP disappointment, Ateneo recruitment begins EDITORS' PICK Ben&Ben featured on Times Square billboard SEC chief leads 2024 The Outstanding Filipino awardees Ashfall after Kanlaon’s eruption affects 26 areas Tolentino hails LGUs as ‘bedrock of national development’ Apl.de.Ap teams up with 3,000 Filipino kids for new Christmas song China’s acts of war in West PH Sea accelerating ecological ruin MOST READ China’s acts of war in West PH Sea accelerating ecological ruin COA told: Release info on Office of the President’s secret funds ​​Rufa Mae Quinto’s lawyer goes cryptic amid actress’ rumored marital woes After UAAP disappointment, Ateneo recruitment begins Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments

• jili777
• NCAA
• Allen
• Liwag
• Owes