BY ADRIAN STEWART CO

Kiefer Ravena hit a personal Japan B.League milestone as Shiga Lakes snapped its 18-game losing skid with an 89-84 win over San-En NeoPhoenix at the Proseed Arena Hikone on Sunday, February 5.

The Iloilo City-native guard dropped 15 points and four three-pointers in almost 25 minutes of action as he also entered the 1,000-point club of Japan B.League.

More than achieving a personal feat, Ravena also played a key role in Lakes recording its first victory since their 69-67 escape over Seahorses Mikawa last December 10, 2022.

American reinforcements DeQuan Jones and Kelvin Martin also nailed some timely baskets for Shiga to end up with 19 points apiece as they improved to a 5-31 win-loss slate.

The Lakes seemed headed to an easy victory as they held an 11-point lead in the third quarter, but the NeoPhoenix went on a huge run as they took a 74-66 lead with over six minutes in the game.

However, Shiga regained its shooting touch and poured in a 20-10 scoring run, capped by a booming three-pointer from Ravena, to return to their winning ways in the tournament.

Kiefer’s younger brother, Ferdinand “Thirdy” Ravena III, was saddled with foul trouble and only managed to score three points, on 1-of-6 shooting, to go with four rebounds and five assists for the NeoPhoenix (16-20).

Meanwhile, Matthew Aquino had two points and one assist in over nine minutes of action as Shinshu Brave Warriors defeated Kawasaki Brave Thunders, 75-74.

In Division 2 action, Jordan Heading managed eight points and two assists in 35 minutes as Nagasaki Velca suffered a defeat at the hands of Kobe Paras’ Altiri Chiba.

Gregory Slaughter was not inserted in the entire game as his Rizing Zephyr Fukuoka suffered a close 76-72 defeat at the hands of Saga Ballooners./ASC, WDJ