Jervy, Rabeh 1-2 in MVP race after UAAP prelims

MANILA, Philippines – Two big men are on top of the overall statistical category at the end of the preliminary round in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament. Jervy Cruz of the University of Santo Tomas holds a slight edge over Rabeh al-Hussaini of Ateneo after numbers were culled by stats provider Imperium Technology. Cruz compiled 75.07 statistical points, while al-Hussaini had 71.14 SPs. A third big man, Rico Maierhofer of De La Salle, ranked fourth overall with 61.5 SPs. Statistics account for half of the criteria in computing the MVP winner, with 15 percent coming from the team votes, 15 percent from officials’ votes and 20 percent from media votes. Cruz, whose Tigers have already been ousted from the tournament, led the eliminations in scoring (19.8 points) and rebounding (13.7) and field-goal percentage (55 percent) to go with 11 double-double games and three 20-20 (at least 20 points and 20 rebounds) outputs. Al-Hussaini, whose Eagles have the best record at 13-1, was behind Cruz in scoring (18 points) and field-goal percentage (49 percent) and finished third in rebounding (9.6). Chris Tiu of Ateneo (62.14 SPs, third overall) and JV Casio of De La Salle (60.85 SPs, fifth) round up the top five. – GMANews.TV