KIEFER Ravena and Ateneo braved through a tumultuous UAAP season where everything that can go wrong went wrong for the Blue Eagles - right down to the final moment.
Ravena watched in horror as Mac Belo converted a buzzer-beating follow-up that allowed Far Eastern University to get past the Blue Eagles, 76-74, and advance to the best-of-three championship series of UAAP Season 78.
“Medyo masakit pero I’m honored to be part of this journey,” said Ravena, trying to put on a brave face after a loss that denied him a championship shot in his farewell season with the Blue Eagles.
[See Mac Belo breaks Ateneo's heart with last-gasp game-winner]
Despite the loss that ended his collegiate career on a disappointing note, Ravena, who won two titles with Ateneo, said he will cherish a final year that saw the Blue Eagles hit by controversies off the court, from the drunken rant of John Apacible to the arrest of Chibueze Ikeh.
On the court, the Blue Eagles endured a roller-coaster ride that put pressure on coach Bo Perasol, who later announced he was stepping down at the end of the season - regardless of the final outcome.
“I’m just blessed to be part of such journey," said the two-time league MVP. "Eto ‘yung pina-kaspecial sa akin with all the adversities inside the court and off the court.
“I never knew I had a teammate who is serving in public office,” he joked, obviously referring to the incident involving Apacible who flashed a 'Councilor' vanity plate while confronting a fellow motorist.
“May mga ganung types of issues. It made it special because it made the team strong and made us unite as one,” said Ravena.
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