American street-ballers lose, but Iverson wins Pinoy hearts

MANILA, Philippines - Allen Iverson and his team of former NBA and PBA veterans and American street-ballers lost a 96-98 decision to a Kiefer Ravena-led squad but won the hearts of the Filipinos in the All In Charity Game at the MOA Arena in Pasay City Wednesday night.

“I just want to say thank you for coming out, for support. It was really an entertaining game. Both teams played well. Let’s do it again sometime,” said Iverson, a former NBA MVP and considered as one of the greatest players to ever played the game.

All the proceeds of the charity game will go to Gawad Kalinga’s housing project in Quezon City which Iverson, also former NBA MVP, visited just several hours before the charity game.

Former Sen. Robert “Sonny” Jaworski Sr. and his family were among those who graced the game where the Philippines’ Living Legend shook hands and thanked Iverson for his noble work.

But it was Ravena who stole the spotlight at endgame as the reigning UAAP MVP, doing what he does best, drilled in the game-winning basket.

Ravena said he was just happy to be part of the fund-raiser.

“Who wouldn’t want to see and play Allen Iverson? It’s a dream come true for me and what made it more memorable is that we did this for charity,” said Ravena.