NCAA: Allen Liwag leads way for new-look Benilde

CSB Blazers big man Allen Liwag during NCAA Season 100.–NCAA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—College of St. Benilde ushered in a new era in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday.

And after a 78-65 win over last season’s finalist Mapua behind its newcomers led by Allen Liwag, it’s safe to say that the future is bright for the Blazers.

Liwag aptly filled the void left by Season 98 MVP Will Gozum, powering Benilde with 23 points and 18 rebounds.

READ: NCAA: San Beda, Benilde victorious in Season 100 opening

“Coach (Charles Tiu) always tells me to be a leader for the team. Maybe I just felt like my game showed today because of the trust given to me by my coaches and teammates. I just enjoyed playing today,” said Liwag in Filipino.

“All of us enjoyed the game and we were able to show our game.”

Replacing Gozum is no easy task for Liwag, who acknowledged the “pressure” he feels being the new man in the middle for Benilde following Gozum’s departure.

READ: NCAA: Tony Ynot shows what he’s capable of for Benilde

“There’s pressure because Will Gozum is different but I’m not even thinking about that too much. I’ll just take it one game at a time,” he said.

Fortunately for Liwag, he doesn’t have to do much heavy lifting with the likes of fellow newcomers Gab Cometa and Tony Ynot more than capable of providing ample support.

Cometa, the former San Beda guard, fired 17 points while Ynot, another ex-Red Lion, displayed all-around brilliance with nine points, five rebounds, eight assists and four steals.