Ravena impresses anew for NLEX in win over GlobalPort

BOCAUE, Bulacan — Kiefer Ravena is the gift that kept on giving for NLEX.

Besting his debut of 18 points, Ravena finished with 20 markers to power the Road Warriors past GlobalPort Batang Pier, 115-104, in the Christmas Day tussle at the Philippine Arena, Monday.

"We just gave ourselves and our supporters a really nice gift on Christmas day. Being able to carry our winning momentum, it’s going to be a two wk break but we’ll keep on practicing through the holidays,” Road Warriors head coach Yeng Guiao said of the win.

Ravena, in 29 minutes of action, dished out five assists and registered four steals to go with his team-best scoring. But the highlight of his performance — as if giving everyone in attendance a holiday present — was a booming triple at the final 1:57 mark of the contest and a breakaway dunk as the game wound down.

"Kiefer will take care of himself. He knows how to take care of himself in the league. It’s giving guys like Michael Miranda and Fonzo Gotladera some time,” the fiery mentor said of his prized rookie. 

JR Quiniahan added 19 more points in the scoring effort as veteran marksman Larry Fonacier made his presence anew with 12.

Stanley Pringle led the way for GlobalPort with 33 points. Sean Anthony chipped in 19 more to keep their opponents within reach in their first outing in the Philippine Cup.

But the Batang Pier were clearly missing hotshot guard Terrence Romeo, who is still recovering from a knee contusion.

"Nabanggit ko nga, swerte rin kami because Terrence is not playing. Just with Stanley Pringle we have a handful. It’s really difficult containing Pringle, what more kung andyan pa si Terrence. We’re just taking advantage of the rbeaks we’re getting at the same time, it’s giving us time to jell."
 
"Winning and being able to use a deep rotation is big. Merry Christmas,” Guiao closed.

The Road Warriors are now 2-0 in the all-Filipino conference. They take on the Phoenix Fuelmasters next on Jan. 7, 2018, at the Big Dome.

The Scores: 

NLEX 115 — Ravena 20, Quiñahan 19, Fonacier 12, Tiongson 10, Alas 9, Baguio 8, Gotladera 8, Miranda 8, Mallari 6, Monfort 5, Rios 5, Taulava 3, Al-Hussaini 2. 

GLOBALPORT 104 — Pringle 33, Anthony 19, Grey 13, Nabong 9, Araña 8, Elorde 5, Guinto 4, Juico 4, Taha 4, Flores 2, Sargent 2, Gabayni 1.

Quarters: 25-25, 50-45, 84-76, 115-104.