While Louie Sangalang is not in the running for individual awards, the Letran College standout insists that winning the Season 98 National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball crown is all that matters.

Sangalang became ineligible for any award after he received a two-game suspension in the elimination round during the Knights' 67-62 win over Mapua University.

Letran is fresh from taking Game 1 of the best-of-three finals following an 81-75 victory over College of Saint Benilde and Sangalang feels his teammates are more concerned about bagging the NCAA title.

"For us, the individual awards aren't that important for us because we have one goal. It's ok if we might not get any awards as long as we get the championship," said Sangalang, who intends to end his collegiate career on a high note.

"We don't really talk about that in practice."

Sangalang showed his worth inside the court, posting a career-high 24 points to go with 10 rebounds against the Blazers in the series opener.

The Knights have a chance to wrap it all up if they down the Blazers in Game 2 this Sunday.

Charles Tiu, who calls the shots for Saint Benilde, was among the many who marveled at Sangalang's prowess the previous game.

"Sangalang was the MVP (Most Valuable Player) today (Game 1). He ate everybody (up) alive," Tiu said.

"Only one shot missed with 24 points and 10 rebounds? That's monstrous."