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BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
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Wednesday, March 7, 2018
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MANILA – NLEX Road Warriors rookie Kiefer Ravena was cautious of Alaska Aces’ fight-back in Game 2 of their PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals series tonight at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Road Warriors should prepare for its bid to advance to the semifinals for the first time in franchise history, the Ilonggo guard said.
“Kahit gaano kasarap iyong panalo namin, kailangan pa rin namin kalimutan and focus on Game 2,” Ravena told the press after their 105-99 Game 1 win on Monday. “We know Alaska is gonna be tougher, they’re gonna be more physical.”
“All of those guys will be fighting and playing hard kasi nga they can be eliminated after that game,” he added. “So we have to be ready, we have to brace ourselves and prepare better, and have more energy than Alaska even though we’re one game up.”
The former Ateneo Blue Eagles star played a key role in Game 1 with a crucial drop pass to Michael Miranda for the go-ahead basket before scoring four more points to seal the win for Road Warriors.
Ravena, who was way ahead in the PBA Rookie of the Year race at the end of the elimination round, finished the match with 25 points and eight assists in his first PBA career playoff game.
“Gusto ko rin lang talaga manalo,” Ravena said. “I was really in the zone with the game, kasi sayang e. Nagpakahirap ka buong conference, andito ka na, and then magre-relax ka lang?”
“It’s nice to have that feat (winning its first playoff game),” he added. “Hopefully we get another taste of history for the franchise by making it to the semifinals. We’re one foot in. Hopefully we get the other foot in as well and close that door.”/PN
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