Ravena establishes new scoring record in epic Cup win
Philippine National Tournament Round 4
Bacoor Blades @ PhilippinePride
18:05
In what could be considered an epic game, it is only fitting that a record was set in its midst.
Raphael Ravena, in just his second game back from a week-long injury, created history as he established a new scoring high for a Bacoor Blade with 72 points, including crucial baskets down the wire, in an overtime victory, 164-156, against PhilippinePride at the Mall of Asia Arena to help the team advance to Round 5 of the National Tournament.
A high-octane game from the get-go, the Blades and the Pride were exchanging baskets from the first quarter on, with the Blades eking out a 36-34 lead after one. But the Pride bounced back in the second and thru the efforts of Leandro Cui, the hosts took the lead at halftime, 69-67.
The torrid exchange went on for the rest of the second half, up until the last few seconds of regulation. With just 17 seconds remaining, the Blades were down by four, 137-133. After calling a timeout, Arthur Jeter nailed a three pointer with 11 seconds to go. Blades played the foul game but Juan Ocón made both of his freethrows to increase the gap to three, 139-136.
Despite having a timeout remaining TheDogMan elected to keep the game going, which started to look like a bad idea as they could not find a good shot. Out of desparation, Ravena fired a three pointer with a second to go over the outstretched arms of Ocón and connected to tie the game. A successful defensive stand saw the Blades prevent a driving layup attempt by Cui from going in, affirming the extra session.
In overtime, Baltazar Sotero and Ravena connived to give the Blades the early edge before Arthur Jeter nailed a three to make it 156-145 with over 90 seconds to go. With the game nearing the end the chances of a comeback was becoming bleak for the hosts.
Aside from the scoring record, Ravena also had eight assists and four rebounds across his name. Jeter had a monster performance as well, flirting with a triple-double with 41 points, 18 rebounds and nine assists. Sotero rounded up what weirdly enough as the only three double-digit scorers for Bacoor. In contrast, it was a team scoring effort for the hosts, with four of their players scoring at least 30 points.
"It's an amazing achievement." said team manager TheDogMan. "We were asking him before the game if he's okay."
"I guess he's okay." he further added.
"Hindi ako makapaniwala na nagawa ko 'to." Ravena admitted. "Sa sobrang bilis ng takbo ng laro hindi ko na napapansin yung score ko."
The Blades will return to League action next as they face Great 8 team Baltimore Murderers.