Nov 9, 2026
Unfazed by hype: Back-to-back MVP Allen Liwag focuses on chemistry, championship goal for Benilde
MANILA, Philippines — Much has been said about Most Valuable Players (MVP), but reigning MVP Allen Liwag is ready to tune out the noise.
The back-to-back NCAA MVP chooses to focus on the present, setting aside his achievements as he wants to build chemistry with his teammates at the College of Saint Benilde.
The 6-foot-6 Liwag, who missed the Blazers' first 11 games of Season 102 while recovering from an injury, made his long-awaited return to the hard court last Friday in a match against Jose Rizal University (JRU).
However, the Blazers fell to the Heavy Bombers, 85-79, with Liwag contributing six points as he worked his way back into game shape.
JRU head coach Nani Epondulan acknowledged that simply seeing Liwag warming up posed an immediate threat.
"Seeing him warming up, we didn't expect that. And we told ourselves it's time to measure up. But of course he was laid off for quite some time and the confidence is something to build. Also, I am proud of my team for not backing out of the challenge," Epondulan said after winning against Benilde.
Yet, Liwag shrugged off expectations regarding his performance, as he keeps his focus on his team's goal of having a championship.
"For me, my achievements over the past two years aren't something I dwell on. I'm focused on how I can help this team win a championship," Liwag told reporters in Filipino.
"My mentality is that I should be the one adjusting to the team since I’ve been out for so long, not my teammates adjusting to me."
Benilde managed to secure a quarterfinal slot, currently holding an 8-4 win-loss record despite the absence of Liwag in its previous games.
To clinch a twice-to-beat advantage in Group B heading into the quarterfinals, the Blazers need a victory over San Beda University (9-3).
Liwag knows that he needs to step up in the next game.
"I am still adjusting," he admitted. "I need to get my court senses back after being away for so long, and I need to gel more with the team."
Since Benilde defeated San Beda in their first-round encounter, the Blazers hold the head-to-head tiebreaker advantage.
Liwag is the first local player in the NCAA to win back-to-back MVP titles since PBA legend Alvin Patrimonio accomplished the feat in 1985 and 1986.
He also became the first player to claim both the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards in the same season since Prince Eze in 2018.