KIEFER Ravena bounced back in style as Ateneo downed Letran, 88-81, to clinch its fourth victory in five outings in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup yesterday at Filoil Flying V Arena.
Ravena, who sparked the Blue Eagles’ second-half breakaway, finished with 33 points just two days after scoring seven on a paltry 3-of-18 shooting clip in Ateneo’s first loss, 57-63, to University of Santo Tomas last week.
“This is one of the games that I really want us to hurdle,” said Ateneo coach Bo Perasol. “If you’re up against a team that’s physical [like Letran], you have to be physical as well.”
Arellano roared to a second straight win after tripping University of the Philippines, 74-66, while San Sebastian repulsed Southwestern’s late rally to nail its first victory in two games with an 84-73 decision.
James Forrester pumped in 18 points and had six rebounds to pace the Chiefs, who led by as many as 16 points, 66-50, in the final quarter.
Jon Rebollos, who played sparingly last season, had a team-high 20 points for the Stags, while new recruit Leo De Vera added 18.
The Blue Eagles pulled away from a 54-54 deadlock with a 12-2 spurt, seven coming from Ravena, for a 66-56 advantage.
Ravena also finished with six rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Fil-Am guard Chris Newsome had a double-double of 13 points and 10 boards.
The scores:
First Game
SAN SEBASTIAN 84—Rebollos 20, De Vera 18, Dela Cruz 13, Gusi 11, Perez 10, Balucanag 7, Guinto 5, Tano 0, Vergara 0, Lee 0, Magno 0.
SOUTHWESTERN 73—Sanjo 16, Holper 15, Arong 12, Mohammad 8, Siewe 7, Pajantoy 7, Bautista 3, Panerio 3, Goloran 2, Otida 0, Bregondo 0.
Quarters: 16-16, 49-38, 68-57, 84-73
Second Game
ATENEO 88—Ravena 33, Newsome 13, Pessumal 9, Golla 8, Babilonia 8, Elorde 7, Tiongson 6, Tolentino 2, Asistio 2, Lim 0, Murphy 0.
LETRAN 81—Nambatac 19, Cruz 18, Belorio 12, Almazan 11, Luib 9, Gabawan 5, Castro 4, Dysam 3, Almario 0, Buenaflor 0, Ruaya 0, Publico 0.
Quarters: 31-20, 44-35, 75-62, 88-81
Third Game
ARELLANO 74—Forrester 18, Pinto 12, Agovida 11, Jalalon 11, Caperal 7, Hernandez 6, Salcedo 5, Cadavis 2, Enriquez 2, Nicholls 0, Malanday 0, Bangga 0.
UP 66—Marata 19, Soyud 13, Wong 8, Asilum 6, Gallarza 6, Ball 5, Reyes 4, Lao 3, Desiderio 2, Romero 0, Gingerich 0, Harris 0, Ligad 0, Amar 0, Paras 0.
Quarters: 14-12, 34-32, 55-47, 74-66