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Pessumal on heated first showdown with Ravena: "It's like any other game"

For the first time in an official league game, Von Pessumal and Kiefer Ravena faced off, and it was tense. PBA Media Bureau
By Ivan Saldajeno

PASAY--They have been with Ateneo's high school and college basketball teams, the RP Youth Team, and even Gilas Cadets together.

But in a rare sight on Friday night at the Cuneta Astrodome, both Von Pessumal and Kiefer Ravena were on opposing sides.

Ravena still wore blue for NLEX, while Pessumal donned the San Miguel colors.

With all eyes on Ravena for a long period of time, many thought Pessumal would finally get his own share of limelight as the dominant Beermen were the favorites to beat the gradually-rising Road Warriors, which was exactly the case.

For the six-foot-two gunner, however, it was just another day in the office for him.

"I don't wanna say [that I was] motivated [to play against him]. It's like any other game," Pessumal told some reporters after the game.

However, their match-up became intense early in the fourth quarter when Ravena skied high to successfully challenge Pessumal's layup attempt.

Pessumal, who thought was fouled during the block, gave Ravena a little nudge at the back, but that did not stop there as Pessumal gave Ravena an even harder nudge that sent him down just when Marcio Lassiter buried a three-pointer. Pessumal was given a Flagrant Foul Penalty 1 for the offense.

He, however, had a tight-lipped reaction to the said incident.

"I don't wanna say anything, but it's part of the game," Pessumal said. "It happens, and then we move on. It's not a big deal."

Still, he said that the incident will not stop him from giving his all, even if it may mean getting into another heated moment with one of his friends.

"I'm a professional basketball player. I'm not here to make friends," Pessumal concluded.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno