By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Dwight Ramos and Levanga Hokkaido got back on the winning track in the 2022-2023 Japan B.League Division 1 after a 102-95 victory over Kawasaki Brave Thunders at the Hokkai Kiyatel on Sunday, January 29.
Ramos, a Gilas Pilipinas national men’s basketball team mainstay, tallied 10 points to go with six steals, five assists and four rebounds as the Hokkaido improved to a 7-26 win-loss slate.
Brock Motum top-scored for Levanga with 39 points along with nine rebounds and three assists, while Alex Murphy and Sean Long also hit double-digits in offense with 19 and 13, respectively.
Former PBA import Nick Fazekas tallied 23 points and 10 rebounds, Jordan Heath added 21 points and nine boards, while Matt Janning contributed 11 as the Brave Thunders dropped to 20-13.
Meanwhile, Bobby Ray Parks, Jr. and Nagoya Diamond Dolphins saw their winning streak halted after an 82-58 loss to Matthew Aquino and Shinshu Brave Warriors at the Dolphins Arena.
Parks managed just 11 points, on 4-of-11 shooting, to go with five rebounds, four assists and two steals as the Diamond Dolphins saw their winning streak snapped to drop to 25-9.
Josh Hawkinson led the way with 32 points, 14 rebounds and five assists, Wataru Kumagai added 17 markers for the Brave Warriors, which improved to 17-17. Aquino just entered in the final 30 seconds for Shinshu and produced nothing.
Matthew Wright’s offensive explosion ended in disappointment as the Kyoto Hannaryz (13-20) suffered a 79-78 defeat to Yokohama B Corsairs (20-13) at the Yokohama International Pool.
The former Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters guard finished with 22 points, including five three-point conversions, to lead the Hannaryz, which failed to follow up its 80-76 win over Yokohama last Saturday, January 28.
On the other hand, Kiefer Ravena and the Shiga Lakes continued their slump following an 81-64 loss to Sendai 86ers at the Xebio Arena Sendai. The former NLEX guard managed 10 points, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals in the loss.
Thirdy Ravena had another forgetful game as San-En NeoPhoenix (15-19) bowed to Shimane Susanoo Magic (27-7), 81-64, at the Hamamatsu Arena. Ravena managed just two points, on 1-of-4 shooting, to go with two assists./ASC, WDJ