Power Rankings: September 10-16

By: Paolo Mariano | Sep 17th 2014

Just like that, the elimination round is over. As expected, it boiled down to a suspenseful finish, leading to a pair of playoff games. A slew of players stepped up in their assignments but as usual, only five could make it to the Power Rankings. Two players extended their once-grim season, while one managed to squeeze into the list on his farewell game in the UAAP. As for the guy on the top spot, well, he’ll surely continue to find ways to reclaim his lofty seat in the coming weeks. Honorable mention goes to Almond Vosotros, Dan Alberto, Jeron Teng, Gelo Alolino, Troy Rosario, Jansen Riois, and Ponso Gotladera.   

1. Kiefer Ravena – Ateneo

Win vs. FEU: 23 Pts, 5 Reb, 5 Ast

Last week: No. 2

Surprise, surprise! Ateneo is back on top at the end of the elimination round thanks to its monumental comeback against FEU led by another heroic Ravena performance. He struggled against the Tamaraws’ revolving door of defenders before simply willing his way in crunch time to save his team. He scored 15 points in the fourth quarter and overtime, including going 9-of-10 from the free throw line. He also played terrific defense on Mike Tolomia, who he limited to a solitary point in the same periods.     

2. Bong Galanza – UE

Wins vs. NU and UST: 19.0 PPG, 2.5 3FGs, 7.0 RPG

Last week: No. 1

Despite all its previous struggles, UE is still in the position to squeeze into the Final Four after winning its last two do-or-die games. The Red Warriors can owe it to Galanza and his sustained hot shooting. He scored 21 points against La Salle before pouring 17 more in versus UST. He has embraced his role as the team’s chief outside gunner with his improved aggressiveness on offense. But he also helps in other departments, grabbing rebounds, playing perimeter defense, and battling for loose balls.

3. Don Trollano – Adamson

Win vs. UP: 21 Pts, 12 Reb, 3 Ast

Newcomer

What a way for Trollano to bid the UAAP goodbye. The high-scoring forward poured in an impressive double-double to make sure Adamson didn’t go winless this season. He scored 13 of his 21 markers—his fourth straight 20-point game—in the second half, where the Soaring Falcons badly needed a consistent scoring punch to complete the come-from-behind victory. He toyed with the defenders UP threw at him, driving to the lane with ease and posting up when needed. That’s how you end with a bang.   

4. Chris Newsome – Ateneo

Win vs. FEU: 13 Pts, 16 Reb, 4 Stl

Newcome

Yes, Ravena deserves all the recognition after powering Ateneo over FEU in their battle for the top spot, but he didn’t do it by himself. The hardworking Newsome provided the much-needed energy and hustle when the Blue Eagles were clawing their way back from a 19-point hole. He did all the dirty work, fighting for 50-50 balls, playing relentless defense, boxing out, etc. He scored seven points and snatched 11 caroms in the fourth quarter and overtime. Imagine, he almost singlehandedly out-rebounded the entire Tamaraws!

5. Roi Sumang – UE

Wins vs. NU and UST: 12.0 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 3.5 APG

Returnee

The feisty guard didn’t have much offensive impact against UST, but he was instrumental in UE’s equally vital victory over La Salle. He scored 14 points in that game, mostly via lay-ups from forced turnovers. He helped hound the Green Archers backcourt all game long with terrific pressure defense. With Alberto playing splendidly versus the Growling Tigers, Sumang didn’t get the usual heavy floor time. But when he was on the floor, he made his presence felt, grabbing four rebounds and dishing out five assists.