𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗗: 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝘄𝗮𝗴 𝗮𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗕𝗶𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗦𝗘𝗔 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹-𝗨𝗽

College of Saint Benilde’s playoff path just got tougher—and prouder—as star big man Allen Liwag balances two massive fronts: keeping the Blazers’ NCAA Season 101 title hopes alive and answering Gilas Pilipinas’ call for the Southeast Asian Games. Down 0–1 against San Beda in the semifinals, CSB head coach Charles Tiu isn’t rattled; instead, he’s doubling down on confidence that Liwag can carry both banners without missing a beat.

Tiu revealed that Gilas assistant coach Norman Black reached out weeks ago to bring Liwag into the SEA Games pool—a historic moment, making him the first active NCAA player called up since Calvin Oftana in 2021. Instead of hesitation, the Blazers gave an immediate green light. For Tiu, service to the flag always comes first, even in the heat of a Final Four campaign. “Anytime you get the chance to represent the country, you take it,” he said, calling Liwag’s inclusion an honor for the program.

The 6-foot-6 MVP joins a hybrid squad of collegiate standouts and seasoned pros—Ced Manzano, Veejay Pre, Jamie Malonzo, Thirdy Ravena, Ray Parks, Matthew Wright, Justin Chua, Robert Bolick, and more—as Gilas prepares for battle in Bangkok from December 13 to 19. For Liwag, whose journey began in Laguna before rising to national-team status, the call-up is a full-circle milestone. Tiu praised his humility, contrasting him with players who negotiate compensation before suiting up for the flag: “This guy just wants to play.”

With Black allowing Liwag to join Gilas only after the NCAA concludes—should CSB advance—Benilde’s immediate mission remains unchanged: survive San Beda, force a decider, and fight for a finals berth. Tiu believes Liwag can deliver on both fronts. “One game at a time,” he said. “We trust he can lead us where we need to go.”

Image from Tiebreaker Times