Photo by Pia B. Guballa
AFTER BEING held scoreless for the first time in his career last Sunday, it took Kiefer Ravena all of 50 seconds to make his first basket of the UAAP season.
It didn’t take long for him to find his second and third baskets either, as he scored six points in the first two minutes of the game en route to 24 points to lead Ateneo past archrivals De La Salle University, 81-72, on July 16 at the jam-packed Araneta Coliseum.
Inserted into the starting line-up for the first time as a member of the senior squad, Ravena took control of the game from the opening whistle, cutting through double teams, finishing fast breaks and showcasing his deadly mid-range repertoire. All in all, he lit up his Archer defenders early with 14 of the Blue Eagles’ 23 first quarter points.
Despite the early onslaught from Ravena, the Taft-based squad was able to stay within striking distance through a combination of a rugged frontcourt comprised of twin towers Arnold Van Opstal and Norbert Torres, and the inspired play of LA Revilla who, in spite of his slight frame, willed his way to the line to score 12 first half points. At the half, the Eagles were up, 41-30.
In the third, La Salle focused their defensive schemes to deny Ravena scoring opportunities, opening up lanes for veterans Kirk Long and Nico Salva, who scored six and seven in the quarter respectively.
Heady play by Revilla helped La Salle keep pace with the blistering Blue Eagle attack, highlighted by a leaning lay-in at the third quarter buzzer. After 30 minutes of action, the Katipunan side was up 62-49.
The fourth quarter was marred by turnovers, fouls and trips to the line, most of which came in favor of Revilla, who finished the game with nine free throws helping him total a team high 22.
But an exciting finish was not in the cards as La Salle could only manage to pull within five, 75-70, before Emman Monfort sealed the game with six free throws in the final minute.
Ravena’s dominant performance also showcased his game-changing defense, harassing his La Sallian counter parts to the tune of five steals, while also showing his grit by grabbing 10 rebounds. Blue Eagle center Greg Slaughter’s post game was contained by constant double teams and quick collapses by the opposing defense, but still remained effective by taking on the role of facilitator. The 6’11” center dished out a team-high four assists.
“La Salle double-teamed Greg for majority of the game,” said Ateneo coach Norman Black. It was the Eagles’ depth which eventually carried them to their second win in as many games, with Salva, Long and Monfort all scoring in double digits.
“I was very excited of course. The first game I couldn’t do anything but we still got the win. I was very thankful because my teammates kept finding me,” said Ravena in reference to his strong start.
Up next for the Blue Eagles is a high-profile bout against Ray-ray Parks, Jr. and his National University Bulldogs this Thursday, July 21, at 1:00 PM at the Araneta Coliseum.
Scoring Leaders:
ADMU, 81: Ravena 24, Salva 18, Monfort 10, Long 10, Slaughter 7, Golla 6, Tiongson 2, Gonzaga 2, Chua 2, Capacio 0, Sumalinog 0, Austria 0
DLSU, 72: Revilla 22, Tampus 10, Torres 9, Dela Paz 9, Marata 9, Van Opstal 5, Villanueva 4, Mendoza 2, Atkins 2, Sara 0, Gotladera 0, Vosotros 0, Paredes 0, Webb 0
Quarter Scoring: 23-18, 41-30, 62-49, 81-72
