FEU’s Romeo bags MVP

Far Eastern University’s Terrence Romeo quickly trained his sights on a bigger prize right after bagging the Most Valuable Player award yesterday in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament.

Romeo garnered the highest statistical points at the end of the elimination round to nail the top individual plum and spoil the record bid of National University’s Ray Parks for a third straight MVP.

“I’m going to work even harder,” Romeo said in Filipino. “Whatever we achieved during the eliminations, it’s over. I’m focused on the Final Four. We want to reach our goal of making it to the Finals.”

Romeo amassed 75.28 statistical points (SP) after leading the league both in points scored at 22.2 ppg and steals at 1.6 spg. He also averaged a third-best 3.9 assists and 6.3 rebounds.

Showcasing his explosive form, the 5-foot-11 Romeo scored at least 30 points thrice this season, including a season-high 33 in FEU’s last game.

FEU coach Nash Racela noted how his senior guard, who had been criticized for selfish play, vastly improved his team game.

Romeo became only the third guard to win MVP after teammate RR Garcia (2010) and former FEU ace Johnny Abarrientos (1991).

Parks emerged as the No. 2 MVP contender with 73.85 SPs built on averages of 18.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks.

Charles Mammie (75.0 SPs), University of the East’s African center, was disqualified for the award after his suspension for unsportmanlike conduct.

Rounding out the top performers based on numbers released by league statistician Imperium Technology and Smart Bro were University of Santo Tomas’ Karim Abdul (70.92 SP), UE’s Roi Sumang (64.0) and NU’s Emmanuel Mbe (63.57).

University of the Philippines’ Kyles Lao topped the rookie race with 21.64 SP.