After falling short of the NCAA championship last season, the College of St. Benilde Blazers are determined to change their fortunes—and a big part of that push lies in the arrival of a key new piece: Shawn Umali.
The Lyceum transferee has quickly made an impact, giving CSB a much-needed boost in size and toughness to complement their returning core, particularly NCAA Season 100 MVP Allen Liwag. Together, the Umali-Liwag tandem is shaping up to be one of the most formidable frontcourt duos in the league.
So far, the results have been promising. The Blazers are undefeated at 4-0 in the PlayTime Cares Filoil EcoOil 18th Preseason Cup, standing tall atop the NCAA Bracket.
“I think it’s a bit of a matchup problem for the opposing teams,” said head coach Charles Tiu. “Obviously, they want to put their best big man on Allen, but Shawn is as big of a piece for us. They’re two legit post threats, but at the same time, we also have to figure out how we can play them together.”
The good news for Tiu is that his twin towers are not only adapting to each other’s game but also pushing each other to be better. Their chemistry is steadily growing as they learn to complement each other’s strengths.
“Malaking bagay siya sa team namin,” said Liwag. “May experience na siya sa NCAA, so nagtutulungan lang kami sa anong pwede naming gawin.”
Umali echoed the sentiment, emphasizing their willingness to adjust and play as a team.
“Naga-adjust lang din kami sa anong pwede naming gawin sa loob. Parehas naman kaming ready to post and willing to pass, so tulungan lang din talaga.”
Their partnership is also elevating the play of the rest of the squad. The positive energy and unselfishness of the frontcourt duo are rubbing off on their teammates, fostering a stronger, more cohesive unit—one with championship aspirations.
Coach Tiu is taking it all in stride, aware that early success brings pressure but also opportunity.
“The team is showing some good composure, and we acknowledge that this is a good opportunity for us to be better,” he said.
As CSB eyes its first NCAA title since 2000, the mission remains simple yet focused.
“We just want to win every game we play,” Tiu said.
The post Twin towers rising: Umali, Liwag power CSB’s title push in NCAA preseason first appeared on Fastbreak.
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