Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards forward Michael Mabulac claimed the Chooks-to-Go MPBL Invitational Most Valuable Player award on Wednesday, Dec. 22 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Mabulac normed 13.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists during the pool phase to help his team finish atop with a perfect 4-0 win-loss slate.
The 2021 Chooks-to-Go VisMin Super Cup Finals MVP bested tight competitor and Bicol-LCC’s Mac Tallo who also had a splendid performance for himself with 17.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in the pool phase.
The two were joined by Imus-Buracai De Laiya's Adi Santos (12.2 points, 12.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists), Pasig-Sta. Lucia's Fran Yu (11.2 points, 4.4 assists, 3.2 rebounds), and Basilan-Jumbo Plastic Medical Depot's Michael Juico (19.0 points, 3.8 assists, 6.5 rebounds, 1.0 steals) in the All-MPBL Mythical Team.
"Hindi ko talaga 'to inexpect. Talagang blessed ako ngayong taon na ito at sana makuha namin yung championship," said the National University product.
Mabulac showed why he’s the best player in the tournament as he led Nueva Ecija to the Finals after an 82-76 victory over Imus in the semifinals. Mabulac unloaded a double-double performance of 17 points, 15 rebounds during the contest.
Meanwhile, Marikina Shoe City forward Ato Ular beat Caloocan Excellence’s Mon Mabayo and Pasig Sta. Lucia’s Justin Arana for the Defensive Player of the Tournament citation after averaging 10.5 defensive rebounds per game.