Pasaol to claim MVP crown

Far Eastern University’s (FEU) Janrey Pasaol pulled off a last-minute surprise to bag the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 men’s basketball tournament Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

Running third at the end of the first round, the Tamaraws guard’s upsurge and consistent production in the final half of the elimination round propelled Pasaol past closest rival Mike Phillips of De La Salle University.

The sophomore earned 81.5 statistical points (SPs) after averaging 15.4 points, 7.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game as he suited up for all of FEU’s 14 games.

Although his efforts came up short in ending the Tamaraws’ four-year Final Four drought after closing the elims with a 7-7 win-loss record, Pasaol will still get to lift the highest individual trophy as the league no longer requires MVP winners to come from playoffs squads.

The 5-foot-11 Davao pride is the first FEU player to earn the honor after Terrence Romeo was named MVP back in 2013.

Pasaol edged Phillips, who finished with 80.429 SPs as he normed 12.7 points, league-best 14.9 boards, 3.07 assists and 1.4 steals per outing for the Final Four-bound Green Archers.

University of Santo Tomas’ Collins Akowe placed third with 79.286 SPs while National University’s Jake Figueroa (77.286 SPs) and Tigers’ veteran leader Nic Cabanero (66.643) completed the Mythical Five cast.

University of the East’s Precious Momowei and Tamaraws center Mo Konateh landed at fourth and fifth spots with 75.214 SPs and 74.786 SPs, respectively. However, only one foreign student-athlete may be included in the Elite Team.

Akowe will be named Rookie of the Year.