Mighty raps Jumbo in opener
Kiefer Ravena and import Bright Akhuetie came through with big numbers as Mighty Sports beat Jumbo Plastic, 79-67, and moved a win shy of capturing the title in Game 1 of the PCBL Chairman’s Cup best-of-three finals at the Malolos Sports Convention Center.
Ravena scored 15 of his 20 points in the second half while Akhuetie came away with another double-double of 18 points and 19 rebounds as Mighty Sports closed in on capturing the crown in only its first conference in the league.
Mighty can claim the championship in tomorrow’s 7 p.m. second game at the Marikina Sports Center of the tournament supported by Spalding, Hahn Manila, Leatherman, During’s Barbeque and Restaurant, Ambucore and LGR.
Despite the convincing victory, Mighty coach Mike Fermin warned his team not to give Jumbo Plastic a lifeline in Game 2.
“Mahirap kalabanin ang Jumbo kapag umabot sa Game 3, kaya we’ll definitely go for it on Wednesday,” said Fermin.
Mighty led from start to finish as Jumbo Plastic, eyeing its second straight title after ruling the inaugural Founders’ Cup last December, couldn’t find ways to make the game competitive.
Ravena’s triple with 4:50 left in the game gave Mighty a 72-58 lead while Akhuetie led the team’s dominance on the boards, 52-42, with 21 coming from the offensive glass.
Mighty also drew 46 points from its starters as compared to only 29 for Jumbo.
Ravena 20, Akhuetie 18, Banal 10, Mangahas 6, Regalado 6, M. Bringas 6, Montilla 4, Celada 4, Lopez 3, A. Bringas 2, Wongchuking 0. Viernes 16, Eguilos 11, Martinez 9, Arellano 7, Arafat 6, Lopez 5, Santos 4, Siruma 4, Ibay 3, Taganas 2, Bitoon 0, Perez 0. Quarters: 20-12; 34-25; 56-48; 79-67.