NU’s Javelona shrugs off ‘Kiefer-stopper’ tag, says team defense is key

MANILA, Philippines – National University's Nico Javelona has been drawing huge praise for his defense against reigning UAAP MVP Kiefer Ravena of Ateneo, forcing the latter to miserable shooting nights this season in the ongoing Season 77 of the UAAP men's basketball tournament.

Ravena, who has been shredding various defensive schemes thrown at him, seems to lack the code to break NU's stingy defense, which forced him to shoot an atrocious 9-of-35 from the field in their Final Four meeting last Wednesday.

"Team defense lang talaga. Siguro naiilang din siya sa bigs namin kasi pag nakalusot siya may makakasalubong siya na (Alfred) Aroga, (Henri) Betayene," said the soft-spoken Javelona after the Bulldogs’ 78-74 win over the Eagles to force a do-or-die game Wednesday.

"Yun lang naman talaga ang mindset namin – dumupensa. Wala kami paki kung magmintis or turnover kami basta dumepensa kami," he added.

Ravena has shot a combined 19/76 from the field this season against NU in three matches this year.

The pesky guard had gotten under Ravena's skin to the point that the Ateneo skipper shoved Javelona in the midsection of Javelona, knocking him down and breathless in the third quarter of their Final Four duel.

Javelona was puzzled with the reaction from Ravena but offered his thoughts on the said play.

"Hindi ko alam, siguro out of frustration. Siguro gusto na niya mawala ako sa laro or sa sobrang pikon na siguro sa akin," said Javelona.

"Actually dalawang beses niya ginawa sakin yun. Yung una nung tumira ako ng three points, parang closed fist pa sa tiyan. Tapos second time, yun na nawalan na ako ng hininga," he added.

Garnering attention with his pesky defense, Javelona is touted as the “Kiefer-stopper”, something the fourth year guard just laughed off.

"Wala naman (laughing), flattered siguro and overwhelmed. Salamat sa kanila," he said, smiling.

In their upcoming do-or-die battle on Wednesday, Javelona vowed that his team will give their all to reach the Finals.

"Pag hahandaan namin sila. Alam namin na pagbubutihan pa nila na makuha nila yung panalo pero di kami mag papatalo sa kanila," he said.