Kiefer Ravena keys NLEX victory

MANILA, Philippines — Former Gilas Pilipinas head coach Yeng Guiao and erstwhile suspended guard Kiefer Ravena returned to the PBA on a winning note as the NLEX Road Warriors turned back Phoenix Pulse, 123-116, in their Governors’ Cup opening assignment last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Ravena posted an impressive stats line of 20 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and three steals to mark his comeback from an 18-month FIBA suspension, and help give Guiao and the Road Warriors a bright start in the season-ending conference.

The former Ateneo star provided solid support for import Olu Ashaolu, who turned in 27-10-6 in the Petron Blaze Saturday Special match, and worked to feed teammates like Philip Paniamogan (14) and Paul Varilla (11) with open shots.

“It’s a grindout game for us but we expected something like this,” said Guiao, who’s also moving on after his winless stint with Gilas Pilipinas in the recent World Cup in China.

“We had problems with Matthew Wright and their (Phoenix) guards shooting their outside shots and Eugene Phelps providing inside threat, and scoring early on. We had to step up on defense in the third and fourth to be able to counter them and good for us, our guys stepped up, provided the spark we needed to get a run and get the game in control,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ginebra coach Tim Cone said he’s considering the possibility of handling the Gilas Pilipinas squad for the SEA Games but asked for more time to think about it.

“I’ve been in conversation with SBP president Al Panlilio regarding the SEA Games head coaching position for basketball,” Cone said a day after his name popped out as the frontrunner in the selection for the post vacated by  Guiao after the World Cup debacle.

“I know that Mr. Paniliio and my boss, Alfrancis Chua, have also had discussions regarding the position. At this time however, my total focus is on our Ginebra game against Alaska tomorrow (Sunday),” said Cone.

The Road Warriors used their three-point shooting as primary weapon, making 20 of their 42 attempts. The number of triples converted in this win matched the second all-time high for the NLEX franchise.

In the second game, Meralco held Magnolia scoreless in the last 4:40 to steal a 98-92 win over the defending champions.

The scores:

NLEX 123 – Ashaolu 29, Ravena 20, Paniamogan 14, Fonacier 11, Varilla 11, Quinahan 10, Cruz 9, Miranda 7, Galanza 6, Ighalo 4, Soyud 2, Erram 0.

Phoenix 116 – Phelps 38, Wright 24, Chua 15, Mallari 14, Garcia 9, Jazul 7, Intal 5, Perkins 4, Marcelo 0, Potts 0, Kramer 0, Wilson 0.

Quarterscores: 27-29, 52-55, 94-84, 123-116.

Second Game

Meralco 98 – Newsome 22, Durham 11; Almazan 19, Pinto 9, Faundo 8, Amer 7, Salva 4, Quinto 3, Hugnatan 3, Caram 2.

Magnolia 92 – Travis 22, Lee 20, Barroca 18, Simon 12, Sangalang 11, Pingris 4, Melton 3, Jalalon 2, Reavis 0, Dela Rosa 0.

Quarterscores: 27-30, 48-57, 73-75, 98-92