MANILA, Philippines – Thirdy Ravena’s Dubai Basketball Club (Dubai BC) made it two wins in a row in the ABA League after turning back the host Cedevita Olimpija, 92-84, at the Stožice Arena in Ljubljana, Slovenia on Sunday, September 29 (Monday, September 30, Manila time).
After logging a DNP-CD (did not play-coach’s decision) in Dubai BC’s 86-84 escape against Crvena Zvezda in their season opener, Ravena finally made his on-court debut, but was limited to just 28 seconds of action.
Ravena, a three-time UAAP Finals MVP from the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the pioneer Filipino import in the Japan B. League, missed his lone attempt from long distance for Dubai BC, which relied heavily on the duo of Klemen Prepelič and former NBA G-League player Nate Mason.
Prepelič dropped a game-high 23 points, while Mason poured in 20 markers, including 18 in just the first two quarters to help Dubai BC enjoy a comfortable 63-42 advantage at the half.
The newly-formed Dubai BC squad then led by as many as 23 points in the third period, before seeing its lead cut to just 10, 90-80, with still 3:10 minutes to play in the game.
Luckily for Dubai BC, the cushion they built early on was simply too much for Cedevita Olimpija to overcome late as Jacorey Williams sealed the deal with a jumper at the 2:05 mark of the final frame.
Ex-NBA player Isaiah Taylor also scored in double figures for Dubai BC with 10 points, while Jordan’s national team big man Ahmad Al Dwairi chipped in 9.
DJ Stewart paced Cedevita Olimpija in their second loss in as many games with 15 points, followed by Devin Robinson’s 14.
Ravena and the rest of Dubai BC shoot for a 3-0 start when they go up against Serbia-based club Mega MIS at 11 pm on Saturday, October 5 (Manila time). – Rappler.com
