Kiefer Ravena bares true worth, leads NLEX against Kia

Games tomorrow (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 a gem of a rookie, debuting with a near triple-double game as NLEX topped a pumped-up Kia squad in a high-scoring showdown, 119-115, in the PBA Philippine Cup at The Arena in San Juan last night.

Ravena, the No. 2 in the draft, delivered 18 points, 12 assists and seven rebounds in a topnotch performance that convinced coach Yeng Guiao that they’ve a new recruit who could 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 for 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 Quiñahan, 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.

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

Paul Lee, barely back from an injury, sizzled with 30 points, including six three-pointers that went with seven rebounds and six assists as the Magnolia Hotshots overcame injuries to three other key players in smothering the Alaska Milk Aces, 108-95, later in the night.

“He’s just back, joining us in practice just for three days. He showed his big heart,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero.

Rome dela Rosa, Bam Gamalinda and Ian Sangalang also stepped up as the Hotshots bucked the absence of injury-hit core players Marc Pingris, Rafi Reavis and Jio Jalalon.

The scores:

First Game

NLEX 119 – Ravena 18, Miranda 14, Alas 14, Mallari 13, Fonacier 12, Al-Hussaini 12, Quiñahan 12, Tiongson 11, Baguio 5, Soyud 4, Ighalo 4, Taulava 0.

KIA 115 – Camson 24, McCarthy 14, Corpuz 13, Reyes 12, Galanza 12, Celda 9, Ababou 9, Khobuntin 8, Paniamogan 7, Tubid 4, Yee 3, Caperal 0.

Quarterscores: 36-40, 64-68, 90-92, 119-115

Second Game

MAGNOLIA 108 – Lee 30, Gamalinda 15, Sangalang 13, Dela Rosa 10, Simon 9, Herndon 9, K. Pascual 9, Barroca 6, Melton 3, Ramos 2, Brondial 2.

ALASKA 95 – Abueva 20, Manuel 20, Teng 16, Casio 10, R. Pascual 7, Enciso 5, Exciminiano 5, Banchero 4, Thoss 3, J. Pascual 2, Cruz 2, Magat 1, Racal 0.

Quarterscores: 21-26, 57-47, 87-74, 108-95