What Ravena thinks of Aroga after Ateneo's loss

Ateneo guard Kiefer Ravena and National University (NU) center Alfred Aroga had nothing to say but words of admiration for each other after their squads battled in an epic Final Four showdown that saw the Bulldogs come out on top.

Aroga had the last say in the two-game series, blocking a potential game-tying lay-up by Ravena in the dying seconds of the game to preserve a 65-63 victory that lifted NU to the Finals for the first time in 44 years.

"For some reason, I knew the ball will go to Kiefer," Aroga said when asked to discuss the final play. "I was really thinking, because he gave me a lot of fouls because he is really, really fast. I don't know how, but I just had to trust my instincts."

"There were just a few seconds remaining, and I just anticipated the block. That's it. I was really focused on Kiefer," he added.

Ravena has hit several clutch shots for Ateneo this season, but has fallen short four times now against NU and has repeatedly struggled against the Bulldogs' disciplined, stingy defense.

"Hindi ko nakita si Aroga eh," said Ravena, who drove to the rim for a lay-up that would have tied the game. "Bigla na lang dumilim 'yung paningin ko, block pala. Ganoon talaga."

Aroga said he appreciated the strong fight given to them by the Blue Eagles, especially Ravena.

"Kiefer is a beast," he declared. "That's a guy that I really respect in this league. He always finds a way to win games. Kiefer, really, congrats. That guy is really a beast, he is a super nice player."

Ravena, for his part, commended Aroga for having one of the best basketball IQs among the imports in the UAAP.

"He's not just strong, he's not just fast, hindi lang siya athletic. He knows when and how to do it. Hindi siya nagpipilit, timing talaga siya sa lahat," said the Season MVP. "Yung timing niya sa import, it's different from other imports that we have now."

Ravena said other imports relied on their strength and athleticism, but Aroga "knows how to use his head."

"Those are the advantages of having an import, so give credit to Alfred. He kept composed all throughout the game, even though he was in foul trouble. Ngayon, he was there, he was composed. For a first-year player, he showed a lot of composure," he added.