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NLEX subdues Kia as Ravena debuts in style

Kiefer Ravena made a triumphant entry to the PBA, but his fellow Road Warriors delivered down the stretch.
By Ivan Saldajeno

SAN JUAN, MM—Kia's "unconventional" basketball seemed to be off to a good start.

The team even found a way to contain Kiefer Ravena in the fourth quarter.

But Ravena's teammates at NLEX made wonders down the stretch.

The Road Warriors survived the Picanto's early barrage and won, 119-115, in the second day of the PBA Philippine Cup at the FilOil Flying V Centre on Wednesday night.

Both teams stepped on the gas in the first quarter, but Kia's 40-point explosion was enough for the team to go up by four at the end of the period.

NLEX, however, slowly recovered defensively and finally repulsed Kia in the fourth, limiting the latter to only 23 points in the payoff period while drilling 29 to steal the win.

Despite being held scoreless in the final frame, Ravena's 18 points was still enough for him to lead the Road Warriors in scoring.

He actually had a double-double as he dished 12 assists and even cam close to a triple-double after grabbing seven boards.

Kevin Alas and Mike Miranda each chipped in 14 markers.

Eric Camson led the Picanto with 24 points, nine rebounds, and one assist.

Rashawn McCarthy and Jay-R Reyes, two of the three players traded to the Picanto from the San Miguel Beermen for the number one pick of the recent draft, played decently.

McCarthy tallied 14 points, six rebounds, and five assists, while Reyes had a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds.

Box Scores:

NLEX 119-Ravena 18, Miranda 14, Alas 14, Mallari 13, Fonacier 12, Al-Hussaini 12, Tiongson 11, Baguio 5, Soyud 4, Ighalo 4, Taulava 0

Kia 115-Camson 24, McCarthy 14, Corpuz 13, Reyes 12, Galanza 12, Celda 9, Ababou 9, Khobuntin 8, Paniamogan 7, Tubid 4, Yee 3, Caperal 0

Quarterscores: 36-40, 64-68, 90-92, 119-115

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno