Thirdy Ravena impresses anew as Eagles repel determined Maroons
September 28, 2016 | 5:20pm
MANILA, Philippines – It was one more assignment to take care of before its highly touted match with De La Salle, but Ateneo de Manila University took care of business – and in a convincing way at that.
The Blue Eagles turned back a fourth-period rally by the Fighting Maroons and clawed them, 79-64, to wrest the second spot of the UAAP, Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
"We focused on the task at hand. We have to see it in the bigger picture," Ateneo coach Sandy Arespacochaga said.
"It's a long way to go. We can’t get sidetracked into thinking that we've done a lot. We could do a lot more," he added.
But "more" could be an understatement, especially with Thirdy Ravena, who hoisted another double-double in 22 markers and 10 points – and his most aggressive and efficient showing, going for 70 percent from the field.
"It was a good game for us, especially nung huli kasi na-execute namin 'yung gusto naming gawin," Ravena said. "Kahit panalo, we have to improve."
"We did things wrong [but] it's good na nadala ko 'yung laro ko. Siguro swerte lang na nangyari 'yun.
The “swerte” note was a hard tag to shed, especially with his superstar brother Kiefer – who is now back home from an NBA D-League tryout – in attendance for the first time this season.
Kiefer Ravena with Alyssa Valdez during the ADMU-UP game in the UAAP, Wednesday. | Efigenio Toledo IV
"I'm happy that he's back. Kaya siya napupuyat pinapanood niya yung games," the younger Ravena quipped.
"Seeing him here, nakaka-excite maglaro. But of course, it's the tradition that's in there. The team is doing well, I think, and it shows in the game," he added.
"I try to improve on the things I think to I need to work on," Thirdy continued. "Nilaro ko nalang (the stitches at the back of his head), kasi pag alangan pa ako, mas prone to injury pa."
With one last assignment left, Ateneo surely is bracing for their acid test this weekend.
"We're not looking past the second round. We're just gonna look at the game on Sunday. We can't look past that. We can't say that if we win, that will define our season. It's still a long way to go," said Arespacochaga.
"We know that we have an uphill battle on Sunday and we're excited to play them.”
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