By ADRIAN STEWART CO

San-En NeoPhoenix got a huge lift from Ferdinand “Thirdy” Ravena III as they defeated Gunma Crane Thunders, 92-79, in the 2022-2023 Japan B.League on Christmas Day at the Toyohashi General Gymnasium in Japan.

The Iloilo City-native Ravena started for the NeoPhoenix and delivered 15 points to go with two rebounds as they bounced back from a 77-70 defeat to the same team on Saturday, December 24.

Former NBA center Kyle O’Quinn had a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds, Kosuke Kanamaru added 17 markers, while Takanari Sasaki and Kazuki Hozokawa had 14 and 12 markers, respectively, as the NeoPhoenix improved to 11-12.

Aki Chambers led the way for the Thunders (13-8) with 17 points. Michael Parker had a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Caleb Turzooski and Ryo Yamasaki chipped in 14 and 12 markers, respectively.

Matthew Wright and the Kyoto Hannarys also returned to their winning ways as they walloped Toyama Grouses, 91-68, on the latter’s homecourt at the Toyama City Gymnasium.

The Filipino-Canadian gunner, who previously played for Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters in the PBA, tallied 11 points to go with seven assists and four rebounds for the Hannarys.

Jerod Utoff led the Kyoto squad with 26 points, including four three-pointers, Nova Gadson and Shek Diallo had 15 and 13, respectively, while Yoshiaki Kubota chipped in 11 points as they improved to 8-15.

Former PBA import Joshua Smith had 20 points and 12 rebounds, Cody Demps had 13 markers, while Yoshiyuki Nozaki and Bryce Johnson had 11 and 10 markers, respectively, as the Grouses dropped to 5-18.

On the other hand, ex-PBA cager Bobby Ray Parks, Jr. and the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins continued their winning ways as they defeated Niigata Albirex BB, 104-66, at the Dolphins Arena.

Parks tallied 15 points, including three outside connections, to go with seven rebounds and four assists as the Diamond Dolphins completed a weekend sweep of Niigata to move up to 17-6./ASC, WDJ