Injured Ravena to miss Ateneo-NU duel today

ATENEO will have to do without its biggest star when it starts its quest for a sixth straight UAAP men’s basketball championship today.

Kiefer Ravena won’t see action due to a sprained ankle when the Blue Eagles clash with the top-ranked National University Bulldogs at 4 p.m. at Mall of Asia Arena.

“I don’t want to jeopardize his long-term career by allowing him to play if he is not totally healed,” new Ateneo coach Bo Perasol told the Inquirer yesterday. “Against the highest touted team, the other players will have to step up their game in order for us to have a chance.”

Ravena, the explosive guard playing his third season, averaged 14.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.1 steals in the Blue Eagles’ title romp last year.

“Missing my first ever UAAP game … but excited for the new Blue Eagles to show what we’ve got,” Ravena, undoubtedly the league’s biggest draw, posted on his Twitter account yesterday.

Perasol, though, expects Ravena to be back within the week.

“I think he will be ready by Wednesday [versus opening-day winner Far Eastern University],” said Perasol.