Are these players worth the hype? Well, their numbers will tell you that they absolutely are.
After a Sunday with nail-biting games — thanks to the UP Women’s Team’s late comeback to defeat DLSU, the UE Men’s Team’s buzzer-beater to defeat Adamson, and the heated encounter between last season’s men’s finalists, DLSU and UP — round of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament is now done and dusted.
With a one-week break before the next set of games to kick off the second half of the season, we’ve got the time to take a closer look at the players who have been dominating the court this season…Got any bets for which player, from both the men’s and women’s sides, will be taking home the MVP award at the end of the season?
Let’s take a look at the top players who are in the running for the title of Most Valuable Player of UAAP Season 87.
Kacey Dela Rosa leads the women’s race
Kacey Dela Rosa has been in the headlines for Ateneo de Manila University’s four victories, and as the reigning MVP, it comes as no surprise to see her continuing her sheer display of skill continuing to shine in the UAAP Season 87 women’s basketball tournament.
Her numbers speak for themselves, with a total of 150 points, 103 rebounds, nine assists, seven steals, and 15 blocks from the first round. This gives her 90.143 statistical points to lead the race for MVP.
Trailing Dela Rosa is UST’s Kent Pastrana, who has come up big for the Growling Tigresses time and time again in their title defense campaign. The former UAAP Athlete of the Year awardee has a total of 121 points, 64 rebounds, 19 assists, and 16 steals, granting hear 84.714 statistical points.
The race between the top two remains close. Behind these leading ladies are Junize Calago from Ateneo with 72.571 statistical points, UP’s Louna Ozar with 71.571 statistical points, and finally, Ateneo’s Sarah Makanjuola with 67.428 statistical points.
The Ateneans are indeed proving to be forces on the court.
Kevin Quiambao leads by a big margin
Could Kevin Quiamabo secure back-to-back MVP titles? After continuing to lead the DLSU Green Archers throughout the first round of the tournament with big numbers, it’s becoming more and more likely that he will retain his title.
With totals of 115 points, 62 rebounds, 38 assists, nine steals, and two blocks, he has earned 87.571 statistical points to lead the MVP race by a large margin. If he continues his momentum throughout the second round, he may be well on his way to defending his individual title, as well as helping the Archers win back-to-back championships.
Behind Quiambao is UP’s JD Cagulangan. Although he was missing in action due to a recent illness in UP’s last two games, he still notched totals of 67 points, 22 rebounds, 30 assists, and five steals. With this, he trails KQ by nearly 10 statistical points, with 77.0. It will be tough to catch up to the reigning MVP, but JD is the player who may come closest.
In third place is Mike Phillips — or Motor Mike, as the Lasallians like to call him — with totals of 70 points, 81 rebounds, 17 assists, and 12 steals after seven games. He has been instrumental for the Archers and is still not far behind Cagulangan with his 72.143 statistical points.
Rounding out the top five in the men’s MVP race is UE’s Precious Momowei who is having a stellar season and has notched 68.286 statistical points, and finally, FEU’s Mohamed Konateh with 63.571.
The season is far from over, and things could definitely shake up in the second round of eliminations. But as it stands, these players are already definitely worthy of their places as standouts in the league.
Which ones will take home the MVP trophies later this season?
Banner images from UAAP Media Bureau.