For Kiefer Ravena, it’s not always about making game-winners to save the day
The 24-year-old was in hero mode yet again for the NLEX Road Warriors, making the biggest of plays in the closing moments to steer his team to an 88-87 victory over the Magnolia Hotshots in Game One of their semis bout on Saturday.
Ravena made an assist to Alex Mallari for a lead-gaining three with 14 seconds to go; made both freebies in the 6.8-second mark to extend their lead; and prevented a Magnolia comeback with less than two ticks left to seal the deal.
“This is the level where it’s not always about making the game-winning shot,” the 24-year-old said. “This is where we suck it in, see who’s the best option, look for them and trust them one-hundred ten percent.
“Yun lang naman ang sistema namin eh.”
Ravena finished with 16 points, two rebounds, two assists, and a steal despite having six turnovers. But he tipped his hat to teammates — and seniors — Mallari and Baguio, who had 14 and 17 markers, respectively.
“Alex and Kuya Cyrus stepped up big time,” lauded the second overall pick in the 2017 Rookie Draft. “It’s nice to see Cyrus. Vintage, No Fear-headband Cyrus Baguio yung naglalaro kanina.”
Even if he has been a pro only a few months, it seems like Ravena is slowly building a big-time player reputation. This playoff mode of his isn’t new, as he already showed that back in their quarterfinal opener against the Alaska Aces.
There, he also made a key assist — that time to center Michael Miranda — and made a lay-up off a jump ball situation in the closing seconds, which led to a 105-99 victory — their first-ever playoff victory in franchise history.
However, Ravena was quick to remind that they cannot be too elated over Saturday’s win, as they know how deadly their opponents are when their backs are against the wall, especially now that Marc Pingris is hurt.
“Mabigat yung panalo na ganun momentum-wise but we can’t celebrate too much,” said the six-foot combo guard. “We have a game on Monday rin, we have to recover and rest. This series doesn’t end in one game.
“It’s a very deep Magnolia team. We just have to learn to contain those guys, pick your poison,” Ravena added. “With Magnolia, that good of a team, something’s gotta give, meron ka talagang bibigay.
“You have to pick your options well and prepare for another battle in Game Two. [It would be] A more aggressive Magnolia.”
