With the Magnolia Hotshots’ backs against the wall, the squad leaned on one of their veterans as their rock.
Nineteen-year-pro Rafi Reavis provided the steady presence for Magnolia in their 63-60 overtime conquest of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters to advance to their second straight Philippine Cup Finals.
Reavis played 40 minutes in the contest, hauling down 20 rebounds – 10 on the offensive end.
And it played a huge role in deciding the contest.
“I think we just lost it sa offensive boards. Sobrang dami nilang offensive rebounds,” lamented Rain or Shine head coach Caloy Garcia.
“I even told them before the game that our worry is Rafi Reavis and the way he gets offensive rebounds. ‘Yun ‘yung nangyari. He finished with twenty rebounds and ten offensive,” he continued.
“Big time player.”
At 41-years, nine months, and two days, Reavis became the oldest player to grab 20 rebounds in a Game 7, according to league statistician Fidel Mangonon.
But for the 11-time PBA champion, there’s nothing special about what he did. It was just about effort and desire.
“It’s just about effort.
“It’s gonna boil down to who wanted it more, so those are all effort plays the rebounds, the hustle points. There’s nothing glorious about it,” said Reavis, who is a member of the 2019 All-Defensive squad.
“It’s all about who’s gonna do the dirty work better, that’s what this series was about and that’s what it came down to. It’s just the dirty work and that’s what I’m known for doing,” he added.
There are no signs of slowing down for Reavis, especially with these kinds of outings. And he knows it.
“You guys know that I have a lot left in the tank. I’m just trying to keep up with the young guys, I’m still having fun. I really enjoy playing with this group of guys and I’m fortunate to have a management that really stands behind me and believes in me,” he expressed.
“I have a lot left.”
