Pampangueno gets second NCAA MVP plum

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

SAN Sebastian’s main man Calvin Abueva edged colleagues and rivals to win his second Most Valuable Player award in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in three seasons.

The hardworking cager from Angeles City, Pampanga clustered averages of 21.5 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists as he also achieved the rare feat of making it into the Mythical Five selection for the third consecutive year.

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“I thank God for this opportunity and I really worked hard to get this award,” Abueva, who also bagged the award in 2009, told reporters.

But more than the individual glory, the 23-year-old high-leaping player is training his sights of pacing San Sebastian to its 13th overall crown against the defending champion San Beda.

“It would be very much better if we will win the championship. We hope that we will be able to get it this time,” he said.

After the gruelling and highly-physical Game 1 last Monday, however, the Stags wilted in the payoff period to lose the match by 12 points, 63-75.

Abueva seems to be out of sync during the game as he committed four fouls and eight turnovers. He finished with 12 points and 16 rebounds in 30 minutes of play.

“I think I have to improve more on my defense because I tend to lose focus sometimes. I really have to work on it,” he said.

Completing the rest of the Mythical Five are Ian Sangalang of San Sebastian, Kevin Alas and Raymond Almazan of Letran, and Garvo Lanete of San Beda.

Joshua Nimes of Mapua annexed the Rookie of the Year award while Almazan got the Most Improved Player Award. Sangalang likewise took home the Defensive Player of the Year plum.

The seniors’ awardees received their awards from league officials before the start of the championship series on Monday. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)