MANILA – San-En NeoPhoenix saw its winning run in the 2020-21 Japan B.League Season come to an end following an 86-79 defeat to Niigata Albirex BB on Sunday at the Toyohashi City Gymnasium.
Ferdinand “Thirdy” Ravena III had a decent out with 10 points, on a four-of-nine field goal shooting, along with four rebounds and an assist in 17 minutes but was not enough to help the NeoPhoenix’s cause.
The former Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles star was also benched in the final two minutes of the game after he botched a supposed rebound that led to a Rosco Allen basket that gave Albirex BB a 79-73 lead.
Even without the presence of the Iloilo City-native, the NeoPhoenix are still in striking distance following a basket from Nenad Milenovic, but conversions by Allen Durham made an 85-75 score in favor of Niigata.
The defeat snapped San-En’s three-game winning streak, dropping the home team to a 5-18 slate in the West District.
Jason Washburn led the way for the Niigata Albirex BB with 22 points on 10-of-17 shooting from the field, while Allen finished the match with double-double 21 points and 10 rebounds.
Durham, who had stints with the Meralco Bolts as reinforcement, also had double-double 17 points and 11 boards for the Niigata, which improved to 7-16 win-loss record in the East Division.
The victory served as a bounce back for the Niigata team after being beaten by the NeoPhoenix on Saturday evening, 85-81, at the same venue behind the defensive stop of Ravena.
Stevan Jerovatu tallied 24 points and nine rebounds, while Hayato Kawashima and Millenovic added 10 markers apiece for the NeoPhoenix, which played minus import Kyle Hunt.
The NeoPhoenix will try to return to its winning ways when it faces Akita Northern Happinets (13-9) on Dec. 26./PN
