Ravena keys close victory vs archrivals

MANILA, Philippines - Kiefer Ravena dished off two crucial assists down the stretch as Ateneo held off La Salle-Zobel, 61-56, to complete its back-to-back title romp in the UAAP juniors basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum yesterday.

Ravena, who fired 33 points in the series opener but was held to just six points in Game Two, set up Paolo Romero for a pair of baskets in the closing minute that helped seal the Eaglets’ victory for a 2-1 series win and their 17th championship.

“I have to congratulate the whole La Salle team, including the coaching staff for making this an interesting series,” said Ateneo coach Jamike Jarin, who steered the Loyola-based school to seven championships in a 12-year stretch.

“It’s unfortunate that only one would win in this series, we’re just fortunate that it’s us,” he said.

Ael Banal, son of former Ateneo coach and PBA star Joel, led the Ateneo attack with 16 points, including seven in the final quarter.

Romero poured six of his 12 points in the last three minutes, including four that gave the Eaglets a 59-55 cushion, while Von Pessumal came away with 10 points.

Ravena again struggled with his shooting, missing 15 of his 18 shots but he made up for this by coming through with two key plays down the stretch.

After Luis dela Paz split his charities to give La Salle a 54-53 edge, Ravena fed Romero for back-to-back baskets as the Eaglets surged ahead for good.

Missing all his shots in the last period, Ravena kept on attacking the lane then found an open Romero while airborne, leading to a pair of baskets in the final minute. – Joey Villar