Ravena powers Perasol-less Eagles over Warriors

MANILA, Philippines -- Kiefer Ravena played his best game of the season leading Ateneo past University of the East hacking out a 77-71 victory in the  76th season of the UAAP men's basketball tourney at the MOA Arena in Pasay City Sunday.

Ravena scored a season-high 22 points while Chris Newsome punched in 19 points and Ryan Buenafe grabbed 11 rebounds while adding nine points, bucking the absence of head coach Bo Perasol due to suspension.

"We gave up too many points in the frst half.  We talked about playing better defense especially on Roi Sumang may halong gigil yung first half," said assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga.

"But in the second half they stepped up on defense and we followed our defensive game plan," he added.

UE stringed together a 7-0 zip and cut the lead to 69-72 after JM Noble's lay-up at the 2:06 mark.

Ravena answered with a gutsy drive to give them a comfortable 74-69 lead with 1:17 left.

Roi Sumang grimaced in pain after attacking the basket in the ensuing possession falling short in their comeback bid.

"We're focusing on one game at a time.  As much as possible we have to take care of our own games because we dont know what will happen in the other games," said Arespacochaga.

Ateneo faced a 34-44 deficit at the start of the second half but opened the third quarter with a 14-3 blast to take their first lead in the game 48-47 at the midway point of the period.

Sumang led the Warriors with 27 points while Charles Mammie delivered his customary double double with 11 markers and 17 boards in their losing effort.

Ateneo has improved their record to 7-5 to tie UST in the standings for fourth while eliminating UE which dropped to a 5-7 record.