With the top three teams in each group of NCAA Season 101 Men’s Basketball already determined, last year’s finalists—De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde and Mapua University—meet again under early playoff circumstances.
Benilde, riding a three-game winning streak to close group play, secured the second seed in Group B and picked up a twice-to-beat advantage.
Meanwhile, Mapua has experienced a rollercoaster run so far this season, finishing third in Group A and narrowly missing out on a twice-to-beat bonus after a gut-wrenching loss to Arellano University.
The Cardinals and the Blazers have crossed paths numerous times in crucial moments over the past two years. Aside from last season’s finals, Mapua also eliminated Benilde in the Season 99 semifinals, carrying the playoff advantage in that matchup as well.
Despite entering the duel as one of this season’s title contenders and holding the upper hand this time, Blazers head coach Charles Tiu remains cautious.
“I know we’re coming in with a twice-to-beat, but they are still the defending champions. We have to find a way to play our A-game, because if not, they're going to pounce on us and we’re going to be in trouble,” Tiu asserted.
These familiar foes have already met earlier in the current tournament, with the Blazers prevailing, 75–65. Coincidentally, that game was also the last appearance of big man and reigning NCAA Most Valuable Player Allen Liwag before he was sidelined for several days due to injury.
Determined to return to the court, Liwag suited up in Benilde’s final group-stage game against EAC on November 21. Even while taking precautions, the center still posted team-highs of 16 points, eight rebounds, and two steals to spearhead the Blazers’ 87–82 victory.
According to Liwag, being reintegrated before the playoffs was something he intentionally pushed for in order to regain peak form.
“Nawala talaga ako sa rhythm, and yung feel ko sa court. So tina-try ko lang talaga ibalik 'yun dahan-dahan. And 'yung mga kasama ko, talagang tinutulungan din nila ako na makabalik sa laro,” the reigning MVP said.
“Talagang binigyan nila ako ng kumpiyansa. Sinasabihan nila ako, ‘Sige, laro ka lang. Walang problema ’yan, okay lang ’yan.’”
Despite having a towering presence in the paint with the likes of Liwag, Shawn Umali, and Justin Sanchez, Tiu emphasized that the key to overcoming the Cardinal hurdle lies in stopping their guard play.
“Especially last year, Escamis and Cuenco really killed us. They were really great. That was our biggest challenge. And then you throw in Gonzales, Nitura, Sapasap—they have a lot of weapons right now. If we can find a way to contain their guards and handle their physicality, I think we’ll be okay,” Tiu highlighted.
“[Also, we need] to take care of the ball against them. Because last year in the finals, pinapasahan namin sila ng bola—deretsong lay-up, eh. Our turnovers really hurt us in that series. Hopefully, this time around, we learned our lesson.”
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
