As jacked as the Benilde Blazers’ lineup is, it remains clear that Allen Liwag is THE centerpiece– an indispensable key cog in their #NCAA101 title hopes. 

In their 70-67 uprising against LPU, the reigning DPOY-MVP from Cavite lorded over in the 4th quarter en route to a game-high 16 points and 8 rebounds, steering the Benilde fightback as they notch their fifth win of the season. 

It was an uphill climb for the Blazers who had to overcome a 16-point deficit after being at a disadvantage for most of the game. 

Trailing the Pirates by six at the start of the fourth quarter, the 6-foot-6 star center immediately went to work and scattered half of 16-point output on an efficient 4-for-5 shooting all in the final frame to overtake LPU. 

Fellow big man Shawn Umali provided steady help with 11 points and 7 boards, while Josh Cajucom served as Benilde’s’ spark plug, hitting 9 points and 2 rebounds in only 11 minutes of play. 

Veteran point guard Winston Ynot also had an impactful showing for Coach Charles Tiu, padding the stat sheet with 8 points, 5 boards, and 7 assists in an all-around effort. 

The Pirates were in control for most of the ballgame until the final frame, squandering a double-digit advantage as they could not contain Benilde’s late game rally. 

Renz Villegas charged the Pirates’ offense, collecting 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists, while Omar Gordon was a surprise contributor with 11 points in only eight minutes of action.