Ateneo’s Ravena, NU’s Bernardino bag MVP awards

Kiefer Ravena of Ateneo. INQUIRER PHOTO/AUGUST DELA CRUZ

It looked like he could do no wrong all season.

Playing hero in virtually every Ateneo game, Kiefer Ravena recorded the highest statistical points (SP) the past decade to emerge as the runaway winner of the Most Valuable Player award in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament.

“I just want to play my best and help my team win,” said Ravena, the senior guard who powered the Blue Eagles to the No. 1 spot in the Final Four, which comes with a twice-to-beat bonus.

Ravena posted a record 77.64 SP after leading the league both in points at 21.2 ppg and assists at 5.6 apg, while ranking second in steals at 1.5 spg and averaging 5.9 rebounds.

In women’s basketball, National University’s Afril Bernardino was another easy choice as MVP after leading the Lady Bulldogs to a 14-0 elimination sweep that sent them straight to the Finals with a thrice-to-beat edge.

Bernardino amassed 59.67 SP built on averages of 15.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.4 blocks.

Official statistician Imperium Technology and Smart Bro said yesterday that Ravena’s SP was the highest posted by an individual player since the league adapted the formula in 2003.

Ravena credited his teammates and coach Bo Perasol for entrusting him the leadership role this season, where his highlight reels included a career-high 38-point explosion and numerous clutch performances.

“If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t get this,” said Ravena, the league’s former Rookie of the Year. “But it’s just a bonus. It wouldn’t mean anything if we don’t win the championship.”

Ravena also led the Mythical Five that included La Salle’s Jeron Teng (68.21 SP), Far Eastern University’s Mac Belo (61.28 SP), Ateneo’s Chris Newsome (60.64 SP) and University of Santo Tomas’ Karim Abdul (57.61 SP).

Ateneo’s Arvin Tolentino, who used to star for the national youth team and San Beda high school, emerged as the top rookie (40.21 SP).

Teng, who towed the defending champion Archers to a share of second place with the Tamaraws, ranked second overall after finishing second-best in points at 18.1 ppg and third-best in assists at 4.0 apg aside from norming 7.1 rebounds.

Belo, the much improved FEU forward, wound up third with averages of 16.1 points, 7.1 boards and 2.5 assists.

Newsome normed 13.5 markers, 7.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.3 steals, while Abdul had 14.4 points, 9.2 boards, 1.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.7 blocks.