Mighty flexes muscle, gains PCBL finals in Ravena’s return

THERE’S no stopping Mighty Sports from coasting to the PCBL Chairman’s Cup finals.

On Wednesday, the league’s new powerhouse bucked a slow start to post a convincing 98-87 triumph over a decimated Euro-Med squad and secure the first finals berth at Marikina Sports Center.

Kiefer Ravena returned to action and finished with 17 points and four assists while Bright Akhuetie proved unstoppable, posting 33 points and 14 boards to power Mighty Sports to a two-game sweep of Euro-Med.

Mighty is now close to fulfilling a Cinderella finish in the tournament supported by Hahn Manila, Spalding, Ambucore, During’s Barbeque and Restaurant, LGR and Leatherman.

One of the two squads which joined the league this conference, Mighty Sports awaits the winner of the Jumbo Plastic-Sta. Lucia series, which has been extended to a do-or-die match after the Realtors’ 68-62 win in Game 2.

The Realtors, who trailed most of the way in the series opener, were able to dictate the tempo for most part of Game 2. They led by as many as 15 points, 59-44.

Euro-Med missed the services of import Ola Adeogun and head coach Yong Garcia, who were both suspended and fined P2,000 each for incurring their second technical foul in the tournament.

The scores:

First Game

MIGHTY SPORTS 98—Akhuetie 33, Ravena 17, Banal 13, Montilla 6, Wongchuking 6, Melocoton 5, A. Bringas 4, M. Bringas 4, Celada 3, Tang 3, Mangahas 2, Lopez 2, Regalado 0, Ferrer 0.

EURO-MED 87—Salamat 15, Alvarez 13, Almario 11, Salcedo 8, Gil 8, Custodio 7, Saitanan 6, Llagas 6, Poligrates 6, Tajonera 3, Galanza 2, Parala 2, Capacio 0.

Quarters: 19-29, 51-42, 83-59, 98-87

Second Game

SANTA LUCIA 68—Vidal 15, Bautista 13, Escosio 9, Sanjo 9, Camasura 7, Salado 5, Jamito 4, Javelona 2, Gabriel 2, Bangga 2, Castanarez 0, Ilagan 0.

JUMBO PLASTIC 62—Martinez 15, Taganas 9, Arafat 9, Eguilos 8, Viernes 6, Bitoon 5, Siruma 5, Arellano 3, Lopez 2.

Quarters: 17-15, 44-34, 59-44, 68-62