Mbala, Ravena lead Mythical Team

Ateneo’s Thirdy Ravena dunks against University of Santo Tomas in the second round of the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament at Smart Araneta Coliseum. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Ben Mbala has officially been named UAAP Season 80 MVP.

The Cameroonian big man led defending champion La Salle to a return trip to the finals.

Mbala ran away with the award after amassing 96.58 total statistical points (SPs) after averaging 26.0 points, 13.08 rebounds, 2.5 blocks, 1.3 assists, and 1.3 steals.

Joining Mbala in the Mythical Team are Ateneo forward Thirdy Ravena (66.50 SPs), NU guard J-Jay Alejandro (63.86 SPs), UE scorer Alvin Pasaol (63.43 SPs), and La Salle high-flyer Ricci Rivero (56.29 SPs).

University of the Philippines’ Juan Gomez de Liaño has also been cited as this season’s Rookie of the Year after netting 11.61 points, 6.15 rebounds, 2.54 assists, and 1.0 steal in his first year in Diliman.

In the women’s division, NU bruiser Jack Animam has also been tabbed as the Season MVP after collecting 77.29 SPs.

Completing the women’s Mythical Team are UE’s Love Joy Sto. Domingo (75.64 SPs), NU teammates Rhena Itesi (71.14 SPs) and Ria Nabalan (69.00 SPs), and University of Santo Tomas’ Sai Larosa (61.00 SPs).

Marian Justine Domingo of UP has also been named as the Rookie of the Year.

The awarding ceremonies will be held before Game 2 of the UAAP Season 80 Finals on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.