Although UST is out of the Magic Four after the UAAP’s first round elims, Jervy Cruz remains in the lead in the race for the coveted MVP plum.
The 6-4 Cruz, the reigning MVP, amassed 63.71 statistical points with averages of 16.1 points (tied for first), 10.7 rebounds (1st) and a block (10th) to lead his rivals in seven first round games of the 71st UAAP men’s basketball tournament.
Despite Cruz’s sterling efforts, however, the 2006 champions struggled and limped their way to a 3-4 (win-loss) slate for fifth place.
Not far behind in the league’s Smart Bro-powered statistical tabulations were Ateneo’s Fil-Kuwaiti Rabeh Ahmed Al-Hussaini and Chris Tiu, who garnered 62.86 and 60.71 points, respectively, to help power the Eagles to the top with a 6-1 record.
The 6-6 Al-Hussaini, who exploded with career highs 33 points and 20 caroms against FEU, had norms of 14.6 points, 9.9 boards, two blocks and an assist while Tiu, playing his last season for Ateneo, had 14 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists and a steal a game.
A La Salle MVP remains a possibility since two Archers, Rico Maeirhofer and JV Casio, are in the thick of the race.
The high-leaping Maierhofer and the sweet-shooting Casio made it to the top five with 56.57 and 55.29 points.
Rounding up the top 10 are National U’s Edwin Asoro (53.14), Ateneo de Manila’s Severino Baclao (51.14), UST’s Dylan Ababou (50.71), University of the East’s Elmer Espiritu (49.43) and Far Eastern U’s Benedict Fernandez (47.86). – Joey VIllar