Ravena leads Ateneo win vs La Salle

ROOKIE phenom Kiefer Ravena lived up to his billing as he finally got to showcase his prodigious skills by notching 24 points, 22 of which came in the first half, to lead the three-time defending champions Ateneo Blue Eagles to an 81-72 win over the La Salle Green Archers in the 74th UAAP basketball tournament yesterday at the Araneta Coliseum.

After going scoreless in 14 minutes of action against the Adamson Falcons last weekend, Ravena, the son of former pro Bong Ravena, shut up his doubters by exploding for 14 points in the opening period as he helped push the Blue Eagles to a 23-16 lead. He continued his scintillating performance in the second period, where he scored on a variety of shots, one on a pull-up jumper that put Ateneo in front, 41-29, at halftime.

The Green Archers tried their best to come back and came within five, 70-75, after consecutive baskets from Jarelan Tampus and Norbert Torres, with 1:28 remaining.

However, the Blue Eagles were unfazed as veteran guard Emman Monfort secured their second straight win by hitting six straight freethrows.

Ravena peppered his statline with 10 rebounds, five steals and two assists. He also got vital support from Nico Salva, who contributed 18 markers. Cebuano Greg Slaughter  managed just seven points after exploding for 23 in his debut./Correspondent Jonas Panerio