MANILA – Ferdinand “Thirdy” Ravena III regained his scoring as the San-En NeoPhoenix snapped its eight-game slide in the 2022-23 Japan B.League season with a 92-85 win over Kyoto Hannaryz at Kyoto City Gymnasium over the weekend.
The Iloilo City native was a huge spark off the bench. He dropped 15 points from two treys, six rebounds, five assists, and one steal as the NeoPhoenix improved to 9-11 win-loss slate.
The Gilas Pilipinas mainstay was just one of five players to score in double figures for the NeoPhoenix, which were bolstered by the return of former league MVP Kosuke Kanamaru.
Ryusei Sasaki spearheaded the offense for the NeoPhoenix with 18 points and eight assists, Isaiah Hicks had 17 points, seven boards, and three dimes, and Kazuki Hosokawa scored all of his 15 points from deep.
Kanamaru also made his presence felt in his return to action with 15 points, while Daniel Giddens got 12 points, seven rebounds, and two assists in the NeoPhoenix’s balanced attack.
Ravena was unable to have a faceoff with fellow Filipino reinforcement in former Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters gunner Matthew Wright, who sat out the game due to sprained ankle.
Former NBA player Cheick Diallo top-scored for the Hannaryz with double-double 21 points, 17 rebounds, and two blocks as they slumped to their fifth straight loss and slid to 7-13.
Meanwhile, Kobe Paras helped Altiri Chiba to remain on top of the 2022-23 Japan B.League second division following a 75-74 squeaker against Nishinomiya Storks over at the Matsuyamashita Park General Gymnasium.
The former University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons forward came off the bench and produced seven points, two blocks, and one rebound for Altiri’s sixth consecutive victory.
Reinforcement Brandon Ashley top-scored for Chiba with 16 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and three rejections to stay ahead of the standings at 17-5 win-loss slate./PN
