Benilde’s Allen Liwag goes for a shot against Mapua in Game 1 of the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball Finals.–NCAA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—College of St. Benilde star Allen Liwag had another stellar game on Sunday in Game 1 of the NCAA Season 100 Finals at Araneta Coliseum.
Unfortunately for Liwag, his dominant showing didn’t translate to a win as the Blazers suffered an 84-73 loss to the Mapua Cardinals.
Liwag, the presumptive Season 100 MVP, was the silver lining for the Blazers with another monster performance but if he had anything to say about it, he’d much rather trade those numbers for a victory.
READ: NCAA Finals: Mapua moves one win away from title, beats Benilde
“I don’t even think about those [numbers],” said a dismayed Liwag in Filipino after putting up 18 points and 14 rebounds in the loss.
“Whether double-double or not, I just want to win. I want us to be champions. That’s the most important thing for me. I don’t care about my stats as long as we win, then I’ll be happy.”
Liwag also shot a blistering 73 percent clip from the field goal, missing just three of his 11 attempts.
Liwag also reiterated that he wasn’t paying attention to his stats and was more focused on spearheading the Blazers’ comeback.
READ: NCAA: Benilde nears Final Four, clips EAC behind Allen Liwag
“Coach (Charles Tiu) kept telling us not to give up and I just wanted to say it to my teammates as well because this is a series. That game earlier wasn’t the end,” he said.
“They prepared and I’ll just have to prepare more for Game 2.”
Liwag and the Blazers look to even the series and force a decider in Game 2 on Saturday still at the Big Dome.