MANILA – Ilonggo Ferdinand “Thirdy” Ravena III still cannot get his game going as San-En NeoPhoenix suffered an 87-77 defeat to Kawasaki Brave Thunders in 2020-21 Japan B. League on Sunday at Toyohashi City Gymnasium in Japan.
Back from an injury, the former Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles star struggled anew in his third game as he finished the match with six points – on two-of-seven shooting – to go along with five rebounds and three assists for the NeoPhoenix.
Trailing 52-67 at the onset of the fourth period, Ravena along with NeoPhoenix teammates Stevan Jelovac, Singo Okada, and Tatsuya Suzuki spearheaded a 15-7 scoring run to come to within 67-74.
The Brave Thunders, however, got its acts together in time with timely conversions from naturalized center Nick Fazekas, Pablo Aguilar, and Jordan Heath to increase the lead to 80-67.
The NeoPhoenix had its last push late in the game as they clawed to within 83-75 with over two minutes remaining but Fazekas came up with game-sealing free throws for the Brave Thunders.
Fazekas, who previously played as reinforcement for the Petron Blaze Spikers in Philippine Basketball Association, finished the match with double-double 32 points, and 17 rebounds while dishing six assists for the Brave Thunders.
Aguilar chipped in double-double 12 points and 12 rebounds, while Heath tallied eight points and nine rebounds as Kawasaki improved its record to 35-15.
It was also the Brave Thunders’ second victory against the NeoPhoenix following a 103-74 domination on Saturday where Ravena was held to four points, three rebounds, and two steals.
Kyle Hunt spearheaded the offense for NeoPhoenix on Sunday afternoon with 21 points on 10-of-15 shooting to go along with six rebounds, as Jelovac chipped in 13 markers.
It was the sixth consecutive defeat for Ravena and the NeoPhoenix as they dropped to a measly 11-40 win-loss record in the standings./PN
