NU center Alfred Aroga was named the UAAP Season 77 Finals MVP after leading the Bulldogs to its first title in 60 years in Game Three of the UAAP Finals on Wednesday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

The 6-foot-7 Aroga averaged 16 points on 47% shooting and 13 rebounds per game in the title series and saved the best for last, putting up 24 points and 18 rebounds in the series-clinching game, which they won, 75-58.

NU coach Eric Altamirano had nothing but praise for the Cameroonian center, who was not only the best player for the Bulldogs but also one of the most vocal leaders on the squad.

“I’m really thankful we were able to get Alfred. He’s not just a great player, he’s also a great person,” the coach said.

“He went through a lot of heartaches. Dami. From not being able to play last year, from the time that he arrived here, andami niyang problema. I thank God for bringing Alfred to our team. He brought a sense of leadership and the way he handles himself on and off the court.”

Aroga, who is playing in just his first season with the Bulldogs, has two more years of eligibility in the UAAP.