PBA: Relief for LA Revilla as Kia ends victory drought

As Kia posted its second win in the PBA after the sole victory last conference, LA Revilla also found himself bagging the Best Player award for the second time.

The former La Salle guard finished with 12 points, five rebounds, six assists, and two steals on Wednesday night to help the Carnival score a huge 88-78 upset against Philippine Cup champions San Miguel Beer.

With Kia's victory, they ended their 12-game losing streak after winning their PBA debut against Blackwater in the season opener last October.

"Tuwang-tuwa," Revilla said when asked what he felt after tasting a win again after so long. "Not just dahil San Miguel, pero ang tagal na namin ulit nanalo e. It's a relief on our part, and it's overwhelming."

The Carnival caught the Beermen in their adjustment period. The Philippine Cup champions had a shorter preparation time after the gruelling seven-game finals series against Alaska, and Kia capitalized by mounting a 46-35 lead at the half that they would maintain for the rest of the game.

The win is Kia's first in the Commissioner's Cup, dropping their first two assignments to GlobalPort and Meralco despite monster games from import PJ Ramos.

Despite beating the Philippine Cup champions, Revilla said the the Carnival is still far from becoming a contender. The expansion team, however, is starting to come together after the franchise started last year.

"We're still down there. Wala pa kami dun sa spot na we are eyeing [the playoffs]," the guard said. "We're still working on it." - RAF, GMA News