Ravena lifts Malolos to cage crown

Two-time UAAP MVP Kiefer Ravena buried a triple at crunch time and Mighty Sports-Malolos completed a remarkable come-from-behind 85-82 win over powerhouse Hobe Macway to reclaim The Republica Cup title Thursday at Malolos Convention Center.

The triple highlighted Ravena’s 11-point explosion in the payoff period to lead Mighty Sports with 20 points aside from the energy and hustle he provided to the Mike Fermin-mentored team.

Mighty Sports-Malolos trailed for most of the game until the Ateneo star sparked a furious comeback which he capped with a huge three-pointer that gave Mighty Sports a 78-77 lead with less than two minutes left.

Former PBA player Mark Macapagal also shone offensively with 13 points, including two free throws in a follow-up to Ravena’s early gift shots that sealed the win for Mighty Sports which advanced to the final by scoring a vengeful 108-90 win over AMA.

The title was the third for Mighty Sports in four years—its bid for a three-peat was spoiled by AMA last year.

Mighty Sports, which also drew significant numbers from Kevin Ferrer, Ty Tang and Mark Bringas, proved its readiness to face a bigger challenge when it debuts in the Philippine Commercial Basketball League (PCBL) this month.

University of Perpetual’s Bright Akhuetie, who added 13 points, was named tournament MVP for his consistent performance since the eliminations.