KEVIN Quiambao of De La Salle University has made history by securing his second consecutive Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.

Quiambao was officially recognized with the prestigious honor on Wednesday afternoon (December 11, 2024), just before his Green Archers faced the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons in Game 2 of the Finals at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Green Archers, defending champions, were looking to force a Game 3 after falling to UP in the series opener. Quiambao’s outstanding season performance played a crucial role in this individual achievement.

During the elimination round, Quiambao accumulated an impressive 81.35 statistical points (SPs), averaging 16.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. His remarkable consistency earned him a spot on the Mythical Team, alongside his teammate Mike Phillips (74.92 SPs) and standout players from other schools, including UP’s JD Cagulangan (69.16 SPs), Far Eastern University’s Mo Konateh (68.64 SPs), and Nic Cabañero (61.0 SPs).

In addition to Quiambao’s MVP recognition, Far Eastern University’s Veejay Pre claimed the Rookie of the Year award with 50.85 SPs.

On the women’s side, Ateneo’s Kacey Dela Rosa triumphed with her second consecutive MVP title, joining an elite group of athletes who have earned back-to-back honors. Dela Rosa finished the season with 96.28 SPs, averaging 22.07 points, 16.0 rebounds, and 2.28 blocks per game. She becomes just the fifth player in UAAP women’s basketball history to secure consecutive MVPs, joining legends like Analyn Almazan, Afril Bernardino, and Grace Irebu.

The women’s Mythical Team was highlighted by UST’s Kent Pastrana (79.85 SPs), UP’s Louna Ozar (67.57 SPs), Ateneo’s Sarah Makanjuola (65.78 SPs), and NU’s Angel Surada (62.0 SPs). Additionally, NU’s Cielo Pagdulagan was named Rookie of the Year with 56.57 SPs.