Dengue's Impact: Allen Liwag's Road to Recovery
In the world of NCAA Philippines basketball, the absence of reigning MVP Allen Liwag due to dengue fever has left fans and coaches alike eagerly awaiting his return. As of now, there's no definitive timeline for his comeback, leaving the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde bench in a state of uncertainty.
Despite Liwag's absence, the Blazers have shown resilience, winning their last two games against Letran and JRU. The Taft crew's depth has been put to the test, and they've risen to the challenge, securing a 95-80 victory over the Knights and a hard-fought 73-65 win against the Heavy Bombers.
"He's still battling dengue, and his platelet count remains low. I can't predict when he'll be back, but I'm hopeful it'll be soon. I'd love to have him for our next game, but it's unlikely given his recent health status," shared Benilde head coach Charles Tiu.
But here's where it gets controversial: with Liwag's return uncertain, the Blazers' performance without their star player has been impressive. They've seized the solo lead in Group B with a 3-1 record, proving that their team's depth is more than just a talking point.
In their recent game against JRU, the Blazers relied on the stellar performance of Justine Sanchez and Raffy Celis, who combined for 15 points in the fourth quarter, leading their team to victory. Benilde also dominated the boards, grabbing 49 rebounds compared to JRU's 31, even without Liwag, the league's best defensive player from the previous season.
And this is the part most people miss: Coach Tiu's strategy has been spot-on. He's instilled a sense of belief in his players, challenging them to prove their depth and showcase their talent, with or without Liwag.
"I keep reminding them that our team is deep, and we need to demonstrate that on the court. We must find ways to win, and our guys have risen to the occasion," Tiu added.
As the Blazers take a one-week break before facing Arellano University, the question remains: Will Liwag be back in time for their next game? Only time will tell.
What do you think? Is the Blazers' success without Liwag a testament to their team's strength, or is it a fluke? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
