By Adrian Stewart Co
Ilonggo Ferdinand “Thirdy” Ravena III had a solid showing but San-En NeoPhoenix faltered anew against Kawasaki Brave Thunders, 78-68, in the 2021-2022 Japan B.League on Monday afternoon at the Kawasaki City Todoroki Arena.
The former Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles standout tallied double-double 18 points and 12 rebounds but the NeoPhoenix suffered its third consecutive defeat for a 4-22 win-loss slate.
Despite playing without reinforcement Elias Harris, the NeoPhoenix went toe-to-toe with the Brave Thunders in the third quarter to take a slim 51-48 edge and were still ahead midway in the fourth quarter at 60-56.
The Brave Thunders, however, went on a 9-2 scoring blast behind consecutive points from Yuma Fujii as the lead reached its largest at 72-64 on a conversion by former PBA import Nick Fazekas.
Fujii finished the match with 20 points, with 10 coming in the fourth quarter, while Fazekas added double-double 16 points and 12 rebounds as the Brave Thunders moved up to 20-6.
Robert Carter led the way with 20 points, along with 11 rebounds, four assists, and three steals for the NeoPhoenix, which hopes to bounce back against Levanga Hokkaido next weekend.
Meanwhile, Bobby Ray Parks Jr. was limited on offense as Nagoya Diamond Dolphins saw its nine-game winning run snapped with an 88-81 defeat at the hands of Shimane Susanoo Magic at the Matsue City Gymnasium.
The former TNT Tropang Giga guard ended up with four points on 1-of-7 clip from the field, as well as grabbing six rebounds and one assist as the Diamond Dolphins dropped to 18-8.
It was former Meralco Bolts Asian import Seiya Ando who served as the thorn on the side of Diamond Dolphins as he led the Magic in scoring with 21 points, including five three-point conversions.
In other results, Kobe Paras and Niigata Albirex BB suffered their 23rd consecutive defeat after being beaten by Shibuya, 84-73, while Kiefer Ravena and Shiga Lakestars bowed to Akita Northern Happinets, 92-67./ASC, WDJ