Kiefer paces in MVP race

MANILA, Philippines - Ateneo top gun Kiefer Ravena, who dished out a series of explosive performances to spearhead Eagles to a league-leading 6-1 record at the halfway mark of UAAP Season 77 men’s basketball tourney, is also on the flight path for the most coveted individual plum.

The King Eagle amassed 80 statistical points built around season-best averages of 23 points and 5.1 assists after seven games to make a strong case for his first Most Valuable Player accolade.

Per report by UAAP’s statistical provider Imperium Technology and Smart Bro, Ravena has seized a huge margin against closest pursuer, La Salle’s Jeron Teng, who logged 61.7143 SPs highlighted by 15 points, 7.3 rebounds with a league-best 3.7 off the offensive glass and 3.7 assists per outing.

Ravena’s Ateneo teammate Chris Newsome (60.4286), Far Eastern’s Mac Belo (57.7143) and Santo Tomas’ Cameroonian center Karim Abdul (56.1667) rounded up the Top 5.

Occupying sixth to 10th were National U’s Alfred Aroga (55.4286), FEU’s Mike Tolomia (55.1429), Ateneo rookie Arvin Tolentino (53.4286 SPs), NU’s Troy Rosario (53.2857 SPs), and La Salle’s Jason Perkins (50.000).

Left with the torch following the graduation of the senior Eagles, Ravena has taken on the responsibility with gusto.

He wrapped up a phenomenal first-round effort with the game-winner in Ateneo’s 63-61 squeaker over the Tigers and a career high 38-point, nine-assist explosion in the Eagles’pulsating 93-91 come-from-behind verdict over University of the East in overtime that secured their leadership.

Meanwhile, Afril Bernardino of unbeaten National U Lady Bulldogs took the pace in the women’s division.

Bernardino, the league’s top scorer with 14.1 points per game who also accounted for 8.28 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 1 steal, tallied 63.8571 SPs to lead Ateneo’s Danica Jose (61.5714), Santo Tomas’ Lore Rivera (59.1429), fellow Lady Bulldog Shelley Gupilan (55.5714) and FEU’s Claire Castro (54.2857).