By Adrian Stewart Co

Dwight Ramos finally tasted a win in the 2021-2022 B.League season as Toyama Grouses prevailed over Osaka Evessa, 82-67, on Wednesday night at the Toyama Seibutai Sports Center.

The Gilas Pilipinas forward had his best showing for Grouses with 20 points, six rebounds, three assists, and a steal as his squad finally entered the win-column after losing its first eight games.

The Grouses were clinging to a 71-67 lead with over three minutes left before they unloaded an 11-0 scoring blast capped by a fastbreak layup by Ramos to secure the hard earned victory.

Julian Mavunga also made his presence felt for Toyama with 16 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, while Joshua Smith went 6-of-7 from the field to end with 15 points and nine rebounds.

Perry Ellis led the Osaka (3-6) with 13 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals, Rei Goda, Kyle Hunt, and DJ Newbill all finished with 12 points apiece while Ira Brown had 10 markers.

Meanwhile, Bobby Ray Parks Jr. and Nagoya Diamond Dolphins cruised to a lopsided 98-70 victory over Ferdinand “Thirdy” Ravena III and SanEn NeoPhoenix over at the Toyohashi City Gymnasium.

Parks made valuable contributions for the Diamond Dolphins with 12 points, two rebounds, and an assist as they recovered from a loss to Shiga Lakestars over the weekend to improve to 5-4 slate.

The Ilonggo Ravena, on the other hand, was saddled with foul trouble but still managed to finish with 14 points but had three turnovers as the NeoPhoenix slumped to 4-5 win-loss record.

Ilonggo Kiefer Ravena, meanwhile, did not have a happy birthday as his Lakestars suffered a 91-74 defeat to Kawasaki Brave Thunders. Kiefer tallied 13 points and one assist.

Kobe Paras and Niigata Albirex BB, on the other hand, still could not stop the losing slump as they were defeated by Tokyo, 79-78. The former University of the Philippines Fighting Maroon had 13 points in the defeat./ASC, WDJ