Kiefer Ravena was relieved when he emerged from the NLEX Road Warriors’ locker room at the Alonte Sports Arena in Laguna. At last, their three-game losing skid to start the 2018 Commissioner’s Cup had come to an end on Friday night.
Ravena and the Road Warriors registered their first-ever victory in the mid-season conference by edging out sharpshooter Matthew Wright and the surging Phoenix Fuel Masters in extra period, 120-115.
“Medyo malaki-laking tinik yun knowing that we’re barely breathing kumbaga sa tubig, nandito na (sa leeg) yung tubig sa amin,” expressed the rookie, who had nine points and four assists.
“Kumbaga, survival mode na lang ‘di ba?”
Ravena was all praises for his fellow Road Warriors for their contributions, especially import Arnett Moultrie, who has seemingly gained his footing, as he filled up the stat sheet with 37 points, 17 rebounds, eight dimes, and four blocks.
“Our import came through — he had 37,17, eight assists and everybody else stepped up,” added the second-generation cager.
Asked what had changed from their previous games that led to the much-needed win, the Ateneo de Manila great said that it was their balanced attack — four of the 11 players who got fielded scored in double figures.
“The past three games na natatalo kami, tatlo lang ang nakaka-score. Now it’s all spread out,” shared Ravena, as NLEX dished out 37 assists.
“And we had our usual numbers from our net which was very key to our victory tonight.”
It has been said many times, but NLEX’ current situation is an unfamiliar one, since they have built an identity as a semifinal-fixture team after what they showed back in the 2018 Philippine Cup.
Now, for Ravena and the Road Warriors, their next assignments will all be important, as they look to keep their playoff aspirations beating.
“Ngayon na 1-3, seven games left to the conference and now — kahit before naman every game counts — lahat nagma-matter na talaga.”
