Mabulac finally blooms, earns player-of-week plum

MANILA, Philippines -  It took the whole first round for Jose Rizal’s Michael Mabluac to regain his form. And when he did, there’s no stopping him for putting in those big numbers.

The 6-4 Mabulac came through with a pair of strong efforts to lead the Bombers to a pair of victories last week and into joint second place with the Arellano U Chiefs in the 90th NCAA basketball tournament.

Mabulac also gained the nod of the NCAA Press Corps as its Player of the Week honors.

In a 67-43 rout of Lyceum last week, Mabulac dropped a double-double effort with 13 points and 10 rebounds and had 21 points and eight boards in a thrilling 80-76 overtime win over Perpetual Help Friday.

Jose Rizal coach Vergel Meneses said he has long waited for Mabulac to come out of his shell after a difficult start.

“Before the season, I was expecting him to take charge because he’s one of the best players of this team, if not the best,” said Meneses. “It took him a while though to make a realization and I’m glad he did.”

Mabulac edged St. Benilde’s Juan Paolo Taha and Mark Romero for the weekly plum backed by Accel,  Quantum-3XVI, Bactigel hand sanitizer, Doctor J Mighty Alcohol and Mighty Mom Dishwashing.