UAAP: Finals game 2 was 'do-or-die for us' says Ravena

Kiefer Ravena says game two of the UAAP Finals against the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers was "do-or-die" for the reigning champions Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, who flashed their veteran resolve en route to their fifth straight championship. Ravena, who had 22 points, including a game-clinching jumper with 30 seconds left last October 11, told Mav Gonzales on Brigada, "Naiisip namin na kami ang dehado, kami ang down [in the series], na do-or-die for us," explaining his team's mindset. Ateneo had beaten UST 83-78 in the first game, and 65-62 in game two, but in their previous Finals series versus the Growling Tigers, had won game one, before conceding games two and three, as well as the title, back in 2006. Despite not making it to the UAAP Mythical Five this season, Season 74's Rookie of the Year finished Ateneo's campaign averaging a team-high 16.0 points, along with 5.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists and a steal, in 30.2 minutes per game. For the college sophomore though, he's merely following the path his father, Ferdinand "Bong" Ravena, a PBA veteran, outlined. "If ever man may obstacles para sa akin, he would know what to do, what not to do for me," Kiefer said. He'll be facing his toughest challenge though next season, following the exit of head coach Norman Black, and the graduation of five players, including 7'0" Greg Slaughter and back-to-back Finals MVP Nico Salva. Still, if there's something "The Phenom," knows a thing or two about, it's playing against tougher opposition and coming out on the winning end. "I was 12 years old [on a US trip], playing with 14, 15-year-old Americans," Ravena said, explaining how he got his nickname. "Then [former Ateneo High School Blue Eaglets coach] Jamike [Jarin] promoted it!" And even though it's early, "The Phenom" is already looking towards next season, adding, "Ang mindset ko [ay] manalo. Try to win [the] six-peat."  - AMD, GMA News