Kiefer Ravena scored 14 points in a brief return with his PBA team as NLEX beat Phoenix, 114-77, in a tune-up match held before attending Gilas Pilipinas’ afternoon practice.
Ravena picked up where he left off from his 11-point outing for Gilas in a losing effort against the Adelaide 36ers last Sunday to give the Road Warriors a morale-boosting win as part of their preparation for the PBA Governors’ Cup.
Back after his 18-month FIBA suspension ended last Friday, Ravena took advantage of NLEX’s tune-up in order to have more games under his belt before the World Cup.
Coach Yeng Guiao also took time to call the shots for the Road Warriors before presiding Gilas’ final practice at the Meralco Gym.
Gilas is scheduled to leave for China Thursday morning, two days before the World Cup opener against Italy on Saturday in Foshan.
Import Olu Ashaoulu scored 23 points while Bong Galanza and Larry Fonacier added 12 points apiece for NLEX. Philip Paniamogan and Raul Soyud added 11 apiece.
NLEX played despite missing center Poy Erram, who is still recovering an ankle injury sustained during last week’s Gilas practice.
The Road Warriors are hoping for a big turnaround with Ravena set to see action after serving his lengthy FIBA ban. (Jonas Terrado)
