PBA: LA Revilla plays hero once more as Kia stuns Purefoods

LA Revilla and Manny Pacquiao in a post-game press conference in this file photo. KC Cruz

Manny Pacquiao scored his first PBA point, but it was LA Revilla who delivered the killer blows to lead Kia over Purefoods, 95-84, on Wednesday at SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

 

With just three minutes remaining, Kia unleashed a 15-2 finishing kick masterminded by Revilla to give the Carnival their second win in the Commissioner's Cup.

 

Revilla finished with 18 points, six rebounds, seven assists, and three steals to complement the efforts of import Peter John Ramos, who led all scorers with 32 points. The former La Salle guard was also the hero of the two other wins of Kia in franchise history.

 

Kia had extra inspiration with the presence of Pacquiao, who scored a free throw in a short stint in the second quarter. It was only the first game this conference for the Filipino ring, who is the team's playing coach.

 

"Pinakita ng mga players ng naglaro yung execution ng plays sa practice," said Pacquiao, who lauded his team for wins against Purefoods and Philippine Cup champion San Miguel Beer.

 

"Yung mga tinalo namin, champion teams."

 

Purefoods suffered its second straight loss as import Daniel Orton was a non-factor, finishing with just six points before fouling out in the fourth quarter. The Hotshots also missed the services of top gun James Yap, who injured his knee last Saturday against Rain or Shine. —JST, GMA News

 

The scores:

 

KIA 95 - Ramos 32, Revilla 18, Poligrates 15, Pascual 8, Avenido 8, Thiele 4, Yee 4, Cawaling 3, Buensuceso 2, Pacquiao 1, Dehesa 0, Alvarez 0, Bagatsing 0.

 

PUREFOODS 84 - Barroca 18, Devance 12, Pennisi 12, Pingris 10, Melton 8, Simon 7, Maliksi 7, Orton 6, Taha 2, Mallari 2.

 

Quarters: 21-19, 44-50, 68-75, 95-84