Perpetual Help’s Thompson leads NCAA MVP race

LETRAN’S Rey Nambatac (middle) and the Perpetual pair of Juneric Baloria (left) and Earl Scottie Thompson. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — University of Perpetual Help swingman Earl Scottie Thompson has emerged as the surprise leader for the MVP award in the NCAA Season 90 men’s basketball tournament.

Thompson, coming off a forgetful Season 89 where he was troubled by injuries, is having his best year so far–a big reason why the Altas are currently in the Final Four picture at the end of the first round of eliminations.

The 21-year-old Thompson tops all players in the statistical race with 57 total stats points–seven points ahead of teammate and second-running Harold Arboleda.

“I’m just focused on helping my school win an NCAA championship and nothing more,” said Thompson.

Thompson is averaging 17.3 points, 11 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 2.1 steals per game.

Nigerian center Ola Adeogun of defending champion San Beda comes in third with 47 points while Arellano University guard Jiovani Jalalon is close behind with 46.89 points and another Altas player Juneric Baloria’s 43.56 complete the top five.