MANILA, Philippines – Two-time UAAP MVP Kiefer Ravena hit a triple at crunch time as Mighty Sports-Malolos pulled off a come-from-behind 85-82 victory over powerhouse Hobe Macway to reclaim the The Republica Cup crown at the Malolos Convention Center in Malolos last Thursday.
The triple highlighted Ravena’s 11-point fourth quarter explosion as he led Mighty Sports with 20 points while providing the energy and hustle to the Mike Fermin-mentored team.
Mighty Sports-Malolos trailed majority of the way until the Ateneo star sparked a furious comeback which he capped with a huge three-point shot that gave Mighty Sports its first taste of the lead, 78-77, with less than two minutes left in the contest.
Former PBA player Mark Macapagal also stepped up to fire 13 points, including two free throws that sealed the win for Mighty Sports which advanced to the final by scoring a vengeful 108-90 victory over AMA.
The title win was the third for Mighty Sports in four years with AMA foiling the former’s three-peat bid last year.
The victory also underscored Mighty Sports’ readiness for its debut stint in the Philippine Commercial Basketball League set this month.
Mighty Sports also drew big games from Kevin Ferrer, Ty Tang and Mark Bringas while University of Perpetual’s Bright Akhuetie powered his way to 13 points and went on to clinch the tournament MVP honors.
Team consultant Bo Perasol and assistant coach Charles Tiu are hoping to tap their current players when they play in the PCBL.