Thirdy Ravena’s post-dunk celebration was for dad

Thirdy Ravena turned a laugher of a contest into an addition to his highlight reel

Saturday afternoon, the Ateneo Blue Eagles as expected, outclassed the UST Growling Tigers, 102-83. But in the midst of Ateneo’s furious late-game rally, Thirdy Ravena brought the house down.

With 2:20 left in the game and Ateneo up 90-77, Anton Asistio missed a corner triple. Chibueze Ikeh was able to grab the offensive board and saw a driving Ravena.

Ravena then threw down a powerful, one-handed jam over Regie Boy Basibas — arguably the biggest dunk in collegiate basketball this year.

FERDINAND RAVENA III CAN FLY. #UAAPSeason80 pic.twitter.com/ifuZbGJTA6

— ABS-CBN Sports (@abscbnsports) November 4, 2017

“It just happened. Swerte lang nakakuha ng offensive rebound. And I saw that no one was guarding the middle area of the zone,” recalled the 6-foot-2 forward, who finished the game with 20 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and two steals

The 20-year-old Ateneo lifer also did not forget to thank Ikeh for finding him at the right place and at the right time.

“It just happened. It was a good pass by Ikeh. Yun lang,” Ravena added.

“The highlight was the dunk but actually for us, the highlight was the offensive rebound and that pass,” quipped Ateneo assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga.

“It’s a boring highlight but it wouldn’t be possible if Ikeh did not do his job and our guards did not do their jobs in making sure that we keep the ball moving from the very start.”

After the dunk, a fiery Ravena looked towards the stands and made a “three-sign”. He explained that he was looking for his father Bong as he now owns Thirdy a cool Php 3,000.

“Kasi yung dad ko, may bet kami na tuwing nakaka dunk ako, bibigyan niya ako ng 3,000,” shared Ravena.

“Hihingi ako ng porsyento kay coach Bong kasi ako nagturo kay Thirdy nun eh. So may porsyento dapat ako,” added a light-hearted Arespacochaga.