It takes a man to admit his mistakes.
After making a spectacular 17 point and 11 rebound outing in his return to the UAAP, Thirdy Ravena struggled against the National University Bulldogs – a team that had been antagonized Kiefer in his five-year stay in Loyola Heights.
The 19 year old played just 17 minutes in the game and was just 1-of-6 from the field for just two points, a far cry from his efficient 8-of-15 outing against the UST Growling Tigers.
“Siguro sa akin rin kasi hindi ko nilaro yung dapat kong nilalaro. I veered away sa kung ano yung dapat ko gawin,” the Ateneo lifer admitted.
“I thought about scoring first. Masyado kong hinahabol na sco-score ako, sco-score ako.
“Kasi yung last game, dumating lang yung scoring kaya siya nandun. Ngayon, nalaman ko na kailangan ko siyang hintayin,” he furthered.
However, it was not just Ravena who struggled against the tough NU defense.
As a team, the Blue Eagles shot just 36 percent from the field and went to the line just 12 times. Moreover, only one Blue Eagle had more than six rebounds – in contrast, the Bulldogs had five players grab at least six boards.
“NU’s defense is crazy. They only allowed us nine points in the third quarter,” he reflected about the Blue Eagles’ nine-point output in the third canto of that game. “Dun kami natalo sa third quarter. Hopefully, next time we face them alam na namin gagawin namin.”
He then vowed that he and the Blue Eagles will avoid falling into the trap of trying to outscore the opponents rather than making stops.
“May araw talaga na malas yung shooting. Importante lang sana is bumaba kami sa depensa,” he lamented.
“The offense is not always going to be there but we have to rely on our defense and push.”
In addition, the change should start with him.
“I have to step back and do what I’m supposed to do,” the athletic winger said.