B.League: Thirdy Ravena delivers for San-en, Ray Parks sinks crucial FTs in Nagoya win

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Ravenna Third San-en Neophoenix. -PHOTO B.LIGA

FILE–Third Ravenna San-en Neophoenix. -PHOTO B.LIGA

MANILA, Philippines – Thirdy Ravena continued to play well to lead San-En NeoPhoenix as they beat the Toyama Grouses, 102-92, in the 2022-23 Japan B.League on Wednesday at the Toyohashi City Gymnasium.

After the All-Star break, Ravena put up a performance of 16 points, nine assists, five rebounds and a steal as NeoPhoenix scored its second straight victory to improve its record to 14-16.

In addition to the Gilas Pilipinas star, former NBA player Kyle O’Quinn posted 24 points, 13 boards, and seven dimes. Ryusei Sasaki had 14 points and nine assists, while Kosuke Kanamaru added 13 markers on 3-of-4 shooting from deep.

Toyama suffered its sixth straight loss with a 6-24 card with Brice Johnson leading the team with 30 points and 13 rebounds, coming off the bench.

WRIGHT, PARKS TRIUMPH

FILE–Ray Parks. Photo courtesy of Nagoya Diamond Dolphins

Meanwhile, Bobby Ray Parks Jr. and Matthew Wright led their respective teams to big wins coming off short breaks.

Parks recorded his third straight win by sinking two crucial free throws with 27 seconds remaining in the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins’ 84-77 win over the Shimane Susanoo Magic for their third straight win at Matsue City Gymnasium.

The Filipino-American import posted nine points and 10 rebounds. Scott Eatherton led with 19 points and 11 boards, as Takumi Saito and Coty Clarke 16 and 15 points, respectively.

Nagoya improved to a 22-8 record, ending Shimane’s 9-game hitting streak. The latter fell to 23-7 despite the efforts of Nick Kay and Perrin Bufford, who had 25 and 23 markers respectively.

Wright, on the other hand, had 13 points, seven assists, and three rebounds as Kyoto Hannaryz defeated Osaka Evessa, 87-77, at Kyoto City Gymnasium.

Aside from the Filipino-Canadian shooter, who made two important assists to protect their lead, Cheick Diallo also led the way with 26 points and 13 rebounds as Kyoto improved to 12-18.

ENTER LOSE

Enter the Lakers’ Kiefer Ravena. – ENTER Photo Lake

However, Kiefer Ravena could not stop Shiga Lakes from losing their 13th straight as they lost to Hiroshima Dragonflies, 88-78, at Shiga Daihatsu Arena.

Ravena struggled with eight points but dished out eight assists. Jordan Hamilton exploded for 28 points but the Lakes dropped to 4-26.

Dwight Ramos is serving a one-game suspension as he missed the All-Star game due to a right ankle injury during Levanga Hokkaido’s 85-70 loss to the Utsunomiya Brex at Hokkai Kita-yale.

Ramos missed his 19th straight game as Levanga dropped to 7-23. In a game without Gilas stars, Hokkaido lost 15 games.

The Ryukyu Golden Kings, who signed Carl Tamayo last week, have yet to activate their latest Filipino import, but they could go 22-8 after defeating the Nagoya Fighting Eagles, 76-64 at the Okinawa Arena.