Kiefer Ravena. Photo from Fiba.com
Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas breezed past Shabab Al Ahli – Dubai, 92-57, Friday in the 2017 Fiba Asia Champions Cup at Chenzhou Sports Center in Chenzhou, China.
Kiefer Ravena triggered the pullaway, dropping 12 of his 20 points in the first half, to go with six rebounds as the Philippine side moved on to the fifth place game against Mono Vampire of Thailand on Saturday.
Almond Vosotros also had his best game to date, firing 14 markers, five boards, and three assists, while LA Revilla had 12 points, four rebounds, and two dimes.
Jeric Teng also stepped up with 11 markers, making up for the absence of his brother Jeron, who sprained his ankle early in the first quarter.
Isaiah Austin tallied 10 points, eight boards, and five assists in the win over the UAE team.
After a close affair in the opening frame, Carl Bryan Cruz and Ravena eventually found their rhythm from downtown to kickstart the Chooks rout, turning a close 21-19 lead to a comfortable 42-26 halftime edge punctuated by an Austin slam.
The Filipinos continued to press on the gas pedal, extending the lead to its highest at 35 for the final spread.
Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas now turn its attention to its Thai counterpart Mono Vampire bannered by Mike Singletary and Jason Brickman, which they beat, 115-102 in the group stages last Sunday.
Qais Omar Al Shabebi kept the fight going for Shabab Al Ahli – Dubai, topping his crew with 28 points and 13 rebounds in the losing effort.
The UAE side will now meet Taipei Dacin Tigers in the seventh place game, also on Saturday.
The Scores:
CHOOKS-TO-GO PILIPINAS 92 – Ravena 20, Vosotros 14, Revilla 12, Jeri. Teng 11, Austin 10, Tamsi 8, Cruz 7, Jose 6, Manuel 2, Torres 2, Jero. Teng 0.
SHABAB AL AHLI – DUBAI 57 – Al Shabebi 28, Juma 9, Salem 8, Ashoor 6, Al Abdulla 4, Balabed 2, Alblooshi 0.
Quarters: 19-13, 42-26, 64-45, 92-57.