Kevin Quiambao set to win second straight UAAP MVP award

Metro Manila, Philippines — Kevin Quiambao of the De La Salle University Green Archers is set to receive his second straight Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in the UAAP men's basketball tournament.

The Gilas Pilipinas standout amassed 81.357 statistical points to secure the highest individual honor in the premier collegiate league.

Quiambao averaged 16.64 points, 8.64 rebounds, and 4.07 assists in a little over 30 minutes of action, leading the Green Archers to the top seed after the elimination round with a 12-2 win-loss record.

The 23-year-old forward will become the fifth La Salle player to win back-to-back MVP honors after Ben Mbala in 2016 and 2017, Don Allado in 1998 and 1999, Mark Telan in 1996 and 1997, and Jun Limpot in 1987 and 1988.

Quiambao is also the first local cager to achieve the feat since Kiefer Ravena of the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles accomplished it in 2014 and 2015.

Mike Phillips, another Green Archer, finished second in the MVP race with 74.929 statistical points.

Rounding up the Mythical Five are University of the Philippines lead guard JD Cagulangan with 69.167 statistical points, Far Eastern University Tamaraws big man Mo Konateh with 68.643 statistical points, and University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers scorer Nic Cabanero with 61 statistical points.

University of the East Red Warriors' Precious Momowei was fifth in the race but was ineligible for individual awards after serving a one-game suspension.