Power Rankings: Sept. 18-22

By Paolo Mariano Posted Sep 24th 2013

Three do-or-die games were on tap last week and several of the league’s top attractions came to play. UST is the talk of the UAAP town with its pair of wins despite being the underdog. So it’s only fitting that the top two spots on the list belong to guys from España. They are joined by two marquee guys from Taft and one workhorse from Recto, who gets a consolation prize of sorts. Again, with the rough and tough Final Four underway, expect the league’s go-to-guys to rack up the stats in the last remaining weeks. Honorable mentions go to RR Garcia, Jeric Teng, Gelo Alolino, and Raul Soyud.  

1. Kevin Ferrer – UST

Wins vs. Ateneo and NU: 12.0 PPG, 50% 2FGs, 4.0 RPG

Returnee

The lanky forward made a return on the list with his all-around effort in UST’s back-to-back wins. Some of his contributions may not reflect on the stat sheet—like boxing out, tipping loose balls, and playing terrific defense on Ray Parks and Chris Newsome—but they were a big lift for the Growling Tigers. His confidence on his outside shot also didn’t wane. Despite firing blanks in their previous outings, he kept shooting and his resilience paid off against NU, hitting four from downtown.  

2. Karim Abdul – UST

Wins vs. Ateneo and NU: 16.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 4.0 BPG

Returnee 

For the nth time, last year’s runner-up MVP provided the stability UST needed in the post. He delivered an inspired act against Ateneo, most notably in the first half as he made a joke out of the defense of Frank Golla, JP Erram, and Ivan Enriquez. He then single-handedly neutralized Emmanuel Mbe, who he held to only eight points. Even though Abdul scored a point fewer, his defense made the difference. Plus, you know he can deliver in the clutch when his number is called. 

3. L.A. Revilla – La Salle

Win vs. FEU: 20 Pts, 6-of-11 3FGs, 3 Asts

Newcomer

The littlest man on the court stood tallest in La Salle’s all-important win over FEU. The 5-foot-7 veteran knocked in a career-high six three-pointers to provide the much-needed extra outside shooting for the Green Archers. While he’s more effective as a playmaker, don’t expect the former San Beda Red Cub to shy away from big games. Most people expected the backcourt of Terrence Romeo and RR Garcia to dominate against their counterparts. But alas, Revilla had other plans.

4. Jeron Teng – La Salle

Win vs. FEU: 13 Pts, 10 Rebs, 5 Asts

Last week: No. 2

With Revilla already taking care of the offense, Teng was able to channel his energy into other facets of the game, something he rarely did in his rookie year. In the end, he finished with a double-double and added a season-high five-assists. The barrel-chested forward has proven since the start of the second round that he’s not a one-dimensional player like what most naysayers say. Also, he’s finally shooting well from the charity stripe, averaging 73.0% in their last three outings.

5. Charles Mammie – UE

Win vs. UP: 21 Pts, 61.5% FGs, 18 Rebs

Last week: No. 5

The hulking center capped his rookie season with another monster double-double effort, his 10th of the season. UP’s frontline of Soyud, Andrew Harris, and Chris Ball had no answer for the relentlessness and sheer strength of Mammie underneath. Hacking him isn’t a good plan either since he shoots well from the line, going 5-of-5 against the Fighting Maroons. He could’ve won the MVP plum if he wasn’t suspended for two games. It’s really scary to think what he can do next year.