By MARK REY MONTEJO
Kiefer Ravena displayed his veteran poise and helped power the Shiga Lakes to a pulsating 89-87 triumph over the Koshigaya Alphas to rule the 2024 Japan B.League’ B2 finals before their delirious fans on Sunday, May 19, at Shiga Daihatsu Arena.
The 30-year-old Ravena registered 10 points, eight assists and three rebounds, capping his impressive outings for Lakes and completing the sweep against the Alphas.
The dramatic win earned the Lakes a trip back to B1 division.
The former Gilas players nearly turned goat when he turned the ball that gave the Alphas the chance to extend the game with a two or win it outright with a three.
They opted for a three and this backfired heavily on them as Koshigaya’s LJ Peak he missed his target.
Justin Burrell chipped in 25 points to lead Shiga while Brock Motum, who topscored in Game One with 37 points on top of 14 rebounds, added 17. Ryan Kriener chipped in12.
Shun Matsuyama anchored the Alphas with 24 points.
In Game 1, Ravena tallied 16 points, 4 assists, 1rebound and a steal.
It was also the six consecutive win for the Lakes after succumbing to the Aomori Wat’s, 84-88, in the quarterfinals.
Meanwhile in B1, Bobby Ray Parks and the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins will have a sudden death match later Monday, May 20, facing the Hiroshima Dragonflies.
Parks had a 14 points, five rebounds and two assists for the Dolphins, who are aiming to seal their finals ticket to face either the Chiba Jets or the Ryukyu Golden Kings.
