PJ Ramos’ 41 and 20 not enough to lift Kia
PJ Ramos of KIA (dark) vs Calvin Leslie and Kelly Nabong of Globalport (light). NUKI SABIO
MANILA, Philippines – PJ Ramos, the 7-foot-4, 300-pound Puerto Rican giant, tried to carry Kia Motors on his back Tuesday.
Down by as much as 24 in the first half and 19 in the fourth quarter, Ramos imposed his size and he was nearly impossible to contain with a pair of 6-foot-7 defenders, whose head were barely over his thick shoulders, on him.
Ramos finished with a double-double with 41 points on 15-of-22 shooting from the field despite facing double and triple teams and 20 rebounds that went with six assists and three blocks to power the Carnival to within striking distance.
“He (Ramos) is really our anchor on offense and defense,” said Kia assistant coach Chito Victolero, who called the shots with playing-coach and boxing icon Manny Pacquiao still in the US.
But in spite of his herculean effort, Kia still lost, 100-89, as it slumped to its 11th straight defeat dating back to last conference.
“I helped the team. I did what I can and it’s just wasn’t enough,” Ramos told reporters, who had to really stretch their arms to get their recorders near him during the two-minute interview, after the game. “Next game we should be ready.”
“We tried to get our locals involved in the first half to have better ball movement because at the end of the day PJ can’t do it alone,” Victolero said.
The 29-year-old Ramos, a member of Puerto Rico’s National team, only had 15 points in the first half before exploding in the last two quarters including 15 points in the fourth period alone.
Ramos, who hit 11 of his 13 attempts from the free throw line, credited Batang Pier’s defense in the first half that somehow slowed him down.
“I wish I was [more aggressive] but they (Globalport) were playing good defense,” said Ramos, who played for over 46 minutes. “But in the second half, the team played better.”
Ramos also said he’s used to the physical play and playing heavy minutes having played overseas before.
“I’ve played around the world and I’m used to it. I’m just happy I’m here.”
