Ravena fires 38 in a come-from-behind over UE, 93-91
Kiefer Ravena (image courtesy of interaksyon.com)
MANILA, Philippines — Kiefer Ravena exploded to his career-high 38 points to lead Ateneo de Manila University in a come-from-behind victory against the University of the East, 93-91, in the UAAP Season 77 action Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
It was a scary moment in the Ateneo fans when Kiefer fall to the ground holding his ankle in the last minutes of the 4th quarter. But Ravena played with pain in overtime to make clutch plays at the right time at the right place.
When the Blue Eagles close the gap with the Warrior’s lead to seven in the opening of the fourth quarter, Roi Sumang fired back two triples to give UE a 70-57 lead with 7:20 remaining. Then Ravena took over for the Ateneo.
Ravena set up Chris Newsome for a basket, plus a foul with 38.8 seconds left as Ateneo was behind, 80-78. Then UE committed a turnover in the next possession that opens the door to the Blue Eagles to tie the game. Ravena hit the game tying jumper over the defense of Paul Varilla forcing the game to overtime with 23.4 seconds left in regulation, 80 all. UE had the chance for the win, but Roi Sumang 3 point shot attempt was airball as the game went into overtime.
Then, Ravena connected a triple over Sumang to push Ateneo’s lead, 91-85, with 59.4 seconds left in the overtime. Sumang’s drive to the basket in OT with 5.3 was blocked by Arvin Tolentino before going out of bounds as the possession went back to the Blue Eagles, who were leading by only just two points, 90-92.
“It was just desire for us being able to come back from 21 points,” Ateneo head coach Bo Perasol said.
The Ateneo Blue Eagles now secured the number 1 spot at the end of the first round with a 6-1 record.
Von Pessumal of the Eagles was also unconscious at the three point line connecting six out of seven three pointers with 19 points while Newsome added 18 points and grab nine rebounds.
“The second round will be just as tough or even tougher so we have to prepare for that and come out with the proper mind set,” added Ravena.
Sumang had a career high 30 points but was not enough to snatch the win for his UE Red Warriors.
