ALLEN Liwag was understandably emotional after College of St. Benilde was swept by Mapua in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball finals on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
But the loss in his first finals appearance only fuels the warrior in Liwag to go at it again next year.
READ: Mapua sweeps Benilde to seize first title since 1991
“Oo definitely. Ito yung magpapalakas sa amin, ito yung magmo-motivate sa amin next year,” said the season MVP as he tries to process his thoughts shortly after the Blazers’ 94-82 Game 2 loss against the newly-crowned champion Cardinals.
“Gustung-gusto ko lang talaga na maging champion.”
Liwag was inconsolable shortly after the game as he covered his head with the team towel just as the Cardinals and their loud supporters were celebrating the school’s first NCAA championship in 33 years.
He was tightly hugged by his teammates who were also reduced to tears as Benilde suffered a second finals loss in the last three seasons.
“Masakit. Talo kami, e,” Liwag shared to SPIN.ph while trying to hold back his emotions.
The 6-foot-6 center had a second double-double in the best-of-three finals with 14 points and 10 rebounds, but the numbers proved not enough to overcome a hungry and determined Mapua side that was seeking to become champion again after 1991.
Liwag said if there’s any consolation to the painful loss, it’s having the wholehearted support of his family, especially his father and mother who commiserated with their son in this time of despair.
“Family ko yan. Ups and downs alam ko nasa likod ko lang sila,” he said.
With a lot of lessons learned in his first finals stint, Liwag vowed to be a better player for Benilde by next season.
“Motivation ito para sa akin,” added Liwag, who said he’ll rest for the holiday season and spent time with his family.
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