B League MVPs announced

The most valuable players of the Pacific Saipan Inc. Promo Invitational Basketball League were announced during the championship awards ceremony held last Wednesday night at the Gualo Rai Basketball Court.

The finals MVP was Alliana’s Jomar Tengco for his clutch 3-pointer in the last minutes that took the lead from the Legends, while teammate Jobert Meriales was the season MVP for his consistency and overpowering performance.

The best coach award went to Alliana’s coach/player Mark Matuguina.

The Mythical 5 awardees were given to the league’s best players. Tengco and Legends’ Jerome Directo were the season’s best guards; Marlon Binuya and Jimboy Tabora were the best forwards; while Meriales claimed the best center title.

The sportsmanship title went to Johnny’s Bar & Grill.

Tengco, after the finals, said that he was grateful for the award and happy for the championship. “The MVP award was just a bonus along with our championship,” said the 35-year-old.

On how he felt shooting the crucial 3-pointer that put their team up against the Legends, he said, “I don’t know what happened. Time was running out and I just took the shot and it went in, thank God.”

The B League started last Nov. 15 and ended last Wednesday with Alliana’s crowned as champions. Legends took second place and third place was Bourbon Bar & Cafe.

Before this league, the Inaugural SMEC-SMLEG Invitational Basketball Tournament 2023 was held also at the Gualo Rai Basketball Court, with Checkpoint and A Plus Team winning the championships in their respective categories.