Fitial takes Finals MVP— finally

Kelvin Fitial has been playing basketball for many years, but he is known more for being a mixed martial arts fighter with his exploits in the octagon cage earning him the monicker “Big Hit.”

But Thursday night, Fitial’s effort in the basketball court was finally recognized, as he was named Finals MVP in the PTI vs. Autonomous title duel in the 2008 Inaugural PTI Inter-Government/Business Basketball at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Fitial fired 26 points in PTI’s 80-70 triumph against ATM, drilling clutch baskets that foiled Autonomous’ bid to extend the title showdown to Game 2.

Fitial made two free throws that broke the tie and a few seconds later connected on a huge triple that put pressure on ATM.

“My free throw shooting has improved a lot because I practice regularly,” Fitial said.

PTI was ahead by only two, 72-70, when Fitial canned the 3-pointer from the left key, surprising his teammates and their opponents, but not himself.

“I was confident I am going to make the shot. I’ve been hitting them in the regular season, and I was open and had a good look at the basket before I took the shot,” Fitial said.

“And before I threw the ball, I looked at my teammates and saw them near the basket. So even if I miss, I knew we have chances to get the ball back,” he added.

PTI needed no rebounders, as Fitial’s triple hit nothing but the bottom of the net, giving PTI a five-point lead, 75-70, with less than a minute left in the game.

Fitial managed to top score for PTI despite facing Autonomous’ physical defense. The 6’2” giant fell hard on the floor several times, as he had to battle Richard Brostrom and Tim Wesley off the boards.

At one point, Fitial’s mouth was bleeding after he was elbowed accidentally.

A player with a short temper would normally go after the culprit, but not Fitial who kept his cool and focused on the game.

“I expect to get hit often because I usually play inside. But I don’t retaliate, I just walk out and keep my composure. If you let your temper get into your game, you will lose your focus,” Fitial said.

“I am glad I won the Finals MVP. This was my first Finals MVP award. I owe this award to my coaches (Elias Rangamar and Rufino Aguon) who have been helping me improve my game and to PTI, which has been sponsoring my fights,” Fitial said.

Other individual and team awardees in the PTI caging were recognized in a brief ceremony Thursday night.

Edgar Pangelinan of the Department of Public Works/Procurement & Supply was awarded the scoring champion trophy, while Bank of Guam’s James Villacrusis took the regular season MVP plum.

Northern Marianas College went home with the pennant trophy, while Bank of Guam claimed the sportsmanship award.