MANILA, Philippines — COMING through blazing, Allen Liwag of College of Saint Benilde was hailed as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the historic centennial year of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.
The stretch big forward was awarded at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, ahead of the Benilde and Mapua University’s Finals Game 2 clash.
The 6-foot-6 Benilde bruiser stuffed the statistical sheet with 56.1 field goal efficiency (14.89 points per game), also tallying 11.11 percent rebounds per game, 2.21 steals per game, and 1.21 blocks per game.
Propelling the Benilde Blazers to the Finals, Liwag’s hard work paid off as he was also decorated with the Defensive Player of the Game and Mythical Team awards.
“This will not be possible without my teammates, and the coaching staff. I am grateful for Benilde, they really helped me and my family. I am happy to receive these awards,” Liwag said.
Mapua’s Chris Hubilla took the Freshman of the Year, and Rookie of the Year, averaging 13.11 points per game, and 6.42 rebounds, and 1,74 assists. The Mythical Team is composed of: John Barba of the Lyceum of the Philippines University, Tony Ynot of Benilde, TJ Felebrico of San Sebastian College of Recoletos, and Clint Escamis of Mapua.
Arellano University’s JL Capulong was the Most Improved Player after tallying 21.3 percent per game, 6.56 rebounds, 1.11 assists, and 1.22 steals.
The NCAA Defensive Team were: Liwag, Felebrico, Capulong, Kevin Santos of Colegio de San Juan de Letran, and Wilmar Oftana of Emilio Aguinaldo College.
