Benilde’s Liwag wins second straight NCAA MVP plum

MANILA, Philippines — Back-to-back.

College of St. Benilde big man Allen Liwag is the Most Valuable Player for NCAA Season 101.

Liwag, who played just seven games in the elimination round of the season, was named the MVP for the second season in a row.

He averaged 15.71 points, 9.0 rebounds, two assists and a block per game in the seven contests.

He also headlined the season’s mythical five, which also included Letran’s Kevin Santos and Titing Manalili, San Beda’s Janti Miller and San Sebastian’s Jhuniel dela Rama.

Liwag was also part of the all-defensive team.

Manalili, who posted 14.1 points, 8.9 assists and 5.2 rebounds per game, also took home the Rookie of the Year and Freshman of the Year honors.

Dela Rama also bagged the Defensive Player of the Year award and a selection in the All-Defensive team, which, aside from Liwag, also includes Santos, Mapua’s Cyrus Nitura and JRU’s Ivan Panapanaan.

Arellano guard Renzo Abiera was named the Most Improved Player after posting 12.23 points and 3.0 rebounds per outing, while Perpetual Help snagged the Sportsmanship Award.

Meanwhile, the Perpetual Help Altas also bagged the bronze medal in the season after defeating Benilde, 87-75, earlier in the day.