Ravena sparks Eagles’ hot start

Ateneo’s Thirdy Ravena may have played a major role in the Blue Eagles’ hot start, but the versatile swingman noted how playing consistently remains a challenge.

“Last season I’d have a good game, then [it would be the] polar opposite [in the next game],” he said.

Ravena, who averaged 18.0 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists, helped the Eagles pick up three straight victories for the early lead in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament.

But Ravena knows that it will get tougher as he tries to sustain a topnotch performance in helping the Eagles extend their perfect run.

“I need to stay more consistent than last season,” said Ravena. “I’m just mentally focused coming into the season, that I need to stay consistent.”

Ateneo, last year’s losing finalist to La Salle, blasted its first three opponents—Adamson, University of the Philippines and Far Eastern University—with an average winning margin of 17.6 points.

Ravena’s impressive performance in those games earned him the Chooks-to-Go UAAP Press Corps Player of the Week honor over Paul Desiderio of UP and Aljun Melecio of La Salle.

“I have to trust my teammates because everyone’s been doing a really good job,” said Ravena, a member of last season’s Mythical Team. “We’ve been winning because everyone’s staying together and we followed whatever coach Tab (Baldwin) told us.” —JASMINE W. PAYO