Michael Mabulac named MPBL Invitational MVP

Michael Mabulac is now a two-time MVP this year alone. Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas/MPBL

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASAY--Michael Mabulac's consistent brilliance earned him the nod as the Chooks-to-Go MPBL Invitational Most Valuable Player.

Mabulac was presented with the top performer award during the ceremonies in between the tournament semifinals on Wednesday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.

This is the six-foot-four center's second MVP award for the year following his Finals MVP performance in the Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup Southern Finals a few months ago.

Mabulac averaged 13.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists during the pool stages, leading the way for Nueva Ecija en route to a 4-0 sweep of Pool B and eventually a place in the semifinals, where the team is facing Imus as of posting.

"Hindi ko talaga 'to in-expect," said Mabulac, who prevailed over Bicol's Mac Tallo in a close battle for MVP honors.

Joining them in the Mythical Five are Imus' Adi Santos, Pasig's Fran Yu, and Basilan's Michael Juico.

Marikina's Ato Ular, on the other hand, has been named the Defensive Player of the Year after tallying an eye-popping 10.5 defensive rebounds per game during the preliminaries.

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