Ravena shines in PBA debut as NLEX outguns Kia

Games Friday (Cuneta Astrodome)

4:15 p.m. – Blackwater vs Meralco

7 p.m. – Rain or Shine vs TNT KaTropa

MANILA, Philippines -- Kiefer Ravena proved he’s really a gem of a player in his PBA debut, churning out a near triple-double game as NLEX topped a pumped-up Kia squad in a high-scoring showdown, pulling off a 119-115 win in the PBA Philippine Cup at The Arena in San Juan Wednesday night.

Ravena, the No. 2 draft selection, delivered 18 points, 12 assists and seven rebounds in a topnotch performance that convinced coach Yeng Guiao that they’ve got a new recruit who would be an impact player in the league.

“I had no doubt he can make an impact and lead the team as I was hoping. That’s exactly what he did in this game. He’s going to be special,” said Guiao of the former Ateneo hotshot who nearly approximated Johnny Abarrientos’ eye-popping numbers in his own PBA debut with Alaska Milk in 1994.

Abarrientos collected 20 points, 11 assists, eight rebounds and five steals but those numbers went to naught on their loss to the Swift Mighty Meaty.

With Ravena and seven teammates putting in double-digit outputs, the Road Warriors outlasted the Picanto in a shootout marked by 39 lead changes, 13 deadlocks and a combined 25 three-pointers made by the two teams.

Michael Miranda, a trade acquisition by NLEX shortly before the tournament started, contributed 14 markers and two rebounds before fouling out with over two minutes left in the game.

Kevin Alas also made 14 points, Alex Mallari added 13, JR Quinahan, Larry Fonacier and Rabeh Al-Hussaini chipped in 12 apiece while Juami Tiongson drilled in 11.

Fonacier delivered the most lethal play – a four-point play off Philip Paniamogan that pushed the Road Warriors upfront at 117-113 entering the final minute of the contest.

“It’s exactly what we expected – a hard-fought game. They shot very well in the first half. I don’t know if they really shot well or we depended poorly. But I know that somehow they would miss in the second half. It’s hard to sustain a 52-percent three-point shooting,” said Guiao.

After going 9-of-17 from the arc in the first half, the Picanto made only four of 19 attempts, allowing the Road Warriors to make their own run in the second half.

“We’ll take this win no matter hard it was. We’ll try to build on this, build some confidence and chemistry,” said Guiao.

The veteran NLEX bench chieftain was impressed by the Picanto who took control most of the first half, leading by 13 points at 57-44.

“This Kia team is a lot stronger than they were last year. They play small but are really quick. They’ve improved a lot with their offense and perimeter shots,” said Guiao.

Eric Camson, a former NLEX player, fired four treys and led all scorers with 24 points that went with nine rebounds and one assist.

Jackson Corpuz, Rashawn McCarthy, JayR Reyes and Bong Galanza also finished in double figures.

But Ravena stood out in the end.

“He played very well,” said Guiao of Ravena whom he described as a combination of a Paul Lee and a Willie Miller.

“He’s able to create his shots and find open teammates. Our style of play is finding open guys, and Kiefer is smart enough to do that,” said Guiao.