Garcia bags MVP title; Buenafe best in Finals

MANILA, Philippines - Far Eastern University’s Ryan Roose Garcia got his crowning glory as the MVP of the UAAP Season 73 seniors basketball yesterday, joining an esteemed club that includes the great King Tamaraw Johnny Abarrientos.

Ateneo’s Ryan Buenafe, the 2008 top freshman, was named the Finals MVP after scoring 23 points, including a clutch triple, in their title-clinching win. He averaged 12.5 points, 5 rebounds and 2.1 assists in the finals.

The 20-year-old Garcia amassed 59.2 statistical points (SPs) built on averages of 16.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists to earn the distinction of the first guard since “The Flying A” to cop the league’s top individual plum in 1991.

“I’m very thankful to the FEU community’s community support, especially the coaching staff and my teammates. This achievement wouldn’t be possible without them,” said Garcia, sporting a yellow shirt with the words: “FEU: We Believe” the Tams’ battlecry.

Garcia, a former RP youth standout from Zamboanga, and his Tams, however failed to win the prize as they lost to Ateneo in Game 2, 65-62, to end up runners-up.

Joining Garcia in the Season 73 Mythical 5 were National U’s Emmanuel Mbe (59.00) at center, FEU’s Aldrech Ramos (58.7) at forward, University of the East’s Paul Lee at guard (57.7) and Kenneth Acibar (57.64) at forward.

It was the second straight year for Lee and the Asian Games-bound Ramos to land a spot in the Mythical 5.

FEU’s Terrence Romeo was adjudged Rookie of the Year with 37.79 SPs and norms of 8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists.