By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Ferdinand “Thirdy” Ravena III and the San-en NeoPhoenix prevailed over Matthew Wright and the Kyoto Hannaryz in overtime, 101-95, in the Japan B.League Division 1 action at the Toyohashi City General Gymnasium on Sunday, October 15.

The Iloilo City-native Ravena had a near double-double performance of 17 points and nine rebounds, while also collecting two assists as the NeoPhoenix improved to 3-1 in the standings.

On the other hand, Wright had a Japan B.League career-best of 31 points, with seven three-pointers, to go with six assists and five rebounds, but Hannaryz remained winless in four matches.

It was the NeoPhoenix’s second consecutive victory over the Hannaryz after their 88-70 dominance at the same venue on Saturday night, October 14, where Ravena contributed a season-high 28 points.

Meanwhile, Bobby Ray Parks, Jr. and the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins maintained their unbeaten record after defeating Dwight Ramos and the Levanga Hokkaido, 92-73, in Hokkaido on Sunday night.

Parks delivered nine points, including a three-pointer, to go with two rebounds, one assist and a block in almost 18 minutes of action as the Diamond Dolphins notched their fourth win in as many games.

Robert Franks tallied a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds to lead Nagoya. Takumi Saito and Yutaro Suda added 16 and 12 markers, while Joshua Smith and Taito Nakahigashi had 10 each.

Ramos contributed 14 points, with two outside conversions, along with two rebounds, two steals and an assist in 23 minutes, as Hokkaido dropped to a 1-3 win-loss record.

AJ Edu had another solid game of 19 points and nine rebounds, but the Toyama Grouses remained winless in four matches following a 94-83 defeat to Nagasaki Velca at the Toyama City General Gymnasium.

Rhon Jay Abarrientos had his best game for the Shinshu Brave Warriors (2-2) with 13 points and two rebounds, but they still suffered a close 86-85 defeat to the Chiba Jets (2-2)./ASC, WDJ