Louie Ramirez delivered a career-best performance to lead Kinto Tyres-Perpetual to a thrilling five-set, 25-22, 22-25, 25-18, 20-25, 24-22, victory over Iloilo in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Wednesday at the Paco Arena.
Ramirez – who scored five of the Altas’ last seven points – amassed a career-high 38 points, comprised of 35 attacks, two aces, and one block. He also contributed 26 excellent receptions.
His performance helped Perpetual secure a 2-1 win-loss record and a solo second-place position in Pool A.
“Sa totoo lang, binigay niya lahat syempre. Pero sinabihan ko siya na nakarating ka na ng Japan, MVP ka ng NCAA, you have all the awards so dapat ipakita mo ngayon dito na walang pagod pagod sa game,” said Altas head coach Sammy Acaylar.
Perpetual managed to overcome a four-point deficit in the final set and took a 14-13 lead after Ramirez executed a powerful combination play.
However, the D’Navigators fought back, and the teams exchanged hits until they reached a 22-21 advantage over the Altas.
The reigning NCAA MVP took charge once more, scoring down the line and delivering a powerful backrow attack to bring Perpetual to match point at 23-22.
Iloilo couldn’t mount a comeback from there, as Jefferson Marapoc blocked Madz Gampong to secure the hard-fought victory.
Marapoc contributed 18 points, consisting of 14 attacks and four blocks. Meanwhile, Micheal Medalla and Klint Mateo added nine and eight points, respectively.
On the other hand, Deanne De Pedro was the top scorer for Iloilo, which dropped to a 1-2 record, with 17 points from 16 attacks and 14 excellent receptions.
Kyle Villamor added 16 points in the loss.
Perpetual’s next match is against Ateneo-Fudgee Barr on November 24 at 3:00 PM, at the same venue.
On the other hand, Iloilo will look to bounce back against National University-Sta. Elena on Wednesday at 1:00 PM.
