RELENTLESS from start to finish, Mighty Sports moved within a victory of claiming the PCBL Chairman’s Cup following a wire-to-wire 79-67 victory over Jumbo Plastic at the start of their best of three finals series at Malolos Convention Center last Sunday.
Former Ateneo star Kiefer Ravena and Nigerian center Bright Akhuetie poured 20 and 18 points, respectively, as Mighty hardly gave the Linoleum Giants a chance to find their rhythm on their way to the convincing triumph.
Mighty, which joined the PCBL only this year, can clinch the title with a win at 7 p.m. in Game 2 tomorrow when the series shifts to Marikina Sports Center.
Ravena made 15 of his total output in the second half while Akhuetie also collected 19 rebounds in another dominant showing inside the paint.
Mighty kept Jumbo Plastic’s guards Jeff Viernes and James Martinez from doing damage, pinning the Giants to an early hole before cruising in the second half.
Mighty coach Mike Fermin said his squad isn’t taking any chances in Game 2.
“It will be hard to beat Jumbo if we reach Game 3 so we have to finish the series early,” said Fermin.
Fresh off a training stint with various skills coaches in the United States, Ravena reaped the benefits of his hard work, canning a triple at the 4:50 mark of the final period that boosted Mighty Sports to a 72-58 lead.
The Giants, who drew 46 points from their starters, struggled to mount a rally and dominated the boards, 52-42. Cedelf P. Tupas
The scores:
MIGHTY SPORTS 79—Ravena 20, Akhuetie 18, Banal 10, Mangahas 6, Regalado 6, M. Bringas 6, Montilla 4, Celada 4, Lopez 3, A. Bringas 2, Wongchuking 0.
JUMBO PLASTIC 67—Viernes 16, Eguilos 11, Martinez 9, Arellano 7, Arafat 6, Lopez 5, Santos 4, Siruma 4, Ibay 3, Taganas 2, Bitoon 0, Perez 0.
Quarters: 20-12, 34-25, 56-48, 79-67