Ravena, Fonacier steer NLEX past Kia

LARRY Fonacier converted on a four-point play with over a minute left to help NLEX squeak past pesky Kia, 119-115, in a tight, high-scoring game as the Raod Warriors earned their first victory in the 2017-18 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Flying V Arena in San Juan City yesterday.

The game was knotted at 113-all heading into the final minute, but Fonacier broke the deadlock after hitting a cold-blooded triple in the right elbow off a perfect dish from JR Quinahan and was fouled in the process. He completed the four-point play to give the Road Warriors the leverage they needed, 117-113.

NLEX joined San Miguel Beer as the early tournament leaders with their 1-0 slates, while Kia started its campaign at 0-1.

Guiao was satisfied with the hard-fought win and was likewise pleased with the play of his prized newbie—Kiefer Ravena.

“We’ll take this win no matter how hard it was,” said NLEX coach Yeng Guiao. “Kiefer (Ravena) played well for us. I had no doubt he can lead the team as a rookie and that’s what he did. He is going to be a very special player in this league.”

The much anticipated pro debut of No. 2 overall pick Kiefer Ravena finally took place as he started for the Road Warriors.

He was actually named the Best Player of the Game, tallying a team-highs of 18 points and 12 assists on top of seven rebounds in a rousing debut as he lived up to his hype in his first game.

Ravena made his presence felt right away in his team’s first four field goal conversions, making first two shots right away from downtown for six points and assisting on NLEX’s two other baskets to start the game.

At the half, Ravena already had 13 points and seven boards.

The game was as close for most part as it featured an astounding 37 lead changes and 11 ties.

Kevin Alas and Michael Miranda added 14 points each to provide support to Ravena, while four others scored in double-figures for NLEX.

Kia played well and took the game’s biggest lead, 76-66, early in the third after an 8-2 blitz to start the second half, but NLEX quickly came back and sliced the Picanto’s lead to only two, 92-90, entering the fourth.

It was then neck-to-neck in the final 12 minutes with the Road Warriors making the crucial plays to take the win.

Eric Camson had his breakout game, scoring a career-high 24 points and hauling nine rebounds to lead Kia in a brave effort.