Ravena’s late explosion tows Eagles past Tigers

MANILA, Philippines – Kiefer Ravena pumped in 10 of his 23 points in the payoff period to power Ateneo past University of Santo Tomas, 69-58, as the Eagles grabbed solo second with 8-3 in the UAAP Season 77 men’s basketball tourney Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Ravena fueled a lethal 10-0 salvo in the fourth enabling the Eagles to break free from a 51-49 contest and lay the foundation for the 11-point win that put them one win behind solo leader Far Eastern (9-2).

With their sixth loss in 11 outings, the Tigers dropped to a deeper hole, needing a sweep of their last three games while hoping to catch a team in the upper rungs at eight wins to force a playoff for the semis.

“As expected, we had a grind of a game against UST. We’re just thankful we’re able to come out on the winning end,” said Ateneo coach Bo Perasol.

“We already talked about how it’s going to be difficult from hereon. Our last four games, including this one, won’t be easy as everybody’s going to find a way to win,” he added.

The 6-foot Ravena also hauled down 13 rebounds as Ateneo won the battle of the boards, 41-35.

“One of the few things we emphasized would be rebounding. That’s what Kiefer did today. Aside from scoring, he helped us through with his rebounding,” said Perasol.

“Coach really emphasized throughout the week we have to rebound. Even though Kevin Ferrer is out, (Regie Boy) Basibas has been filling up the spot for UST. Pag naglalaro ang UST, parang pare-pareho ang height nila, somehow everybody wants to gang rebound. So I told the guys to just box out Karim (Abdul) and the others and we’ll get the rebounds, which was what happened this afternoon.”

Chris Newsome added 14 markers and nine boards while little-used big man John Apacible provided support with seven points while trying to contain UST’s Cameroonian center.

“Props to john Apacible. He really stepped up today and those are big seven points. For guy who not used to playing much, he came out very aggressive. He was a big plus today,” said Ravena of their rookie frontliner.

Abdul shot 17 and collared 13 caroms while Louie Vigil and Aljon Mariano added 14 and 12, respectively, to banner UST, which is in danger of missing the F4 for the first time since 2010.