By REYNALD MAGALLON
Thirdy Ravena’s hot hands from the last two games carried over to this week as the San-En Neophoenix made it three straight wins after a 93-68 demolition of the Gunma Crane Thunders in the Japan B.League on Saturday, Oct. 21.
Ravena topscored for the NeoPhoenix anew with 19 points, seven rebounds and two steals as his team sustained its impressive start to the season to improve to a 4-1 record.
Also enjoying a splendid first few games was Ray Parks’ Nagoya Diamond Dolphin who remained spotless through five games after a 72-64 victory over RJ Abarrientos and the Shinsu Brave Warriors.
Parks finished with six points and nine rebounds in the contest while Abarrientos wound up scoreless in eight minutes of play, missing all of his five attempts from deep.
Matthew Wright also impressed with 20 points on four triples in a fitting follow-up to his career-game of 31 points last time out. That, however, was not enough as his Kyoto Hannaryz absorbed a heartbreaking 81-80 loss to the Akita Northern Happinets.
Similarly, Dwight Ramos saw his stellar scoring night go down the drain as the Levanga Hokkaido dropped a 84-65 decision against Mikawa Seahorses. The Gilas Pilipinas standout finished with 16 points.
AJ Edu and his Toyama Grouses remained in search for their first win in the season after falling to the Kawasaki Brave Thunders, 72-58. Edu had eight points, 16 rebounds, six assists, two steals and a block in the losing effort.
Carl Tamayo, on the other hand, struggled in Ryukyu Golden Kings’ 89-66 loss to Yokohama B-Corsairs. He played for 20 minutes but went scoreless with only five rebounds to show.
Kai Sotto and Jordan Heading continued to miss the games of their respective teams due to injuries. Sotto’s Hiroshima edged Utsunomiya Brex, 83-81, while Heading’s Nagasaki Velca absorbed their first loss in the Division I, 85-79, at the hands of SR Shibuya.
Over at the B2 League, Kiefer Ravena and Shiga Lakes improved to a 2-3 record after a 96-66 rout of Bambitious Nara. The older Ravena finished with 13 points and six assists.
Greg Slaughter continued to see limited action for Rising Zephyr Fukuoka. He played for five minutes and was accounted for two points and two rebounds in the 90-70 victory over Niigata Albeirex BB.
