MANILA – San-En NeoPhoenix continued their losing run in the 2020-21 Japan B.League after suffering a 105-64 defeat to Shibuya Sun Rockers at the Aoyama Gakuin Memorial Hall on Sunday.
The NeoPhoenix were shorthanded heading into the match with Ilonggo Ferdinand “Thirdy” Ravena III forced to sit out due to a fractured right index finger he sustained in San-En’s match against Shibuya on Saturday evening.
Compared to their first meeting where the Shibuya leaned on the game-winner of James Michael McAdoo to escape over the NeoPhoenix, the Sun Rockers easily dominated San-En on Sunday.
The Sun Rockers were unstoppable on offense, including an impressive 40-percent shooting from the three-point line to coast to a 41-point triumph over the slumping NeoPhoenix.
Charles Jackson led the Sun Rockers with 21 points, seven rebounds and three assists while former Los Angeles Lakers forward Ryan Kelly chipped in 16 points, five boards and one block.
Leo Vendrame also ended up with 13 points along with three steals, two rebounds and two assists to help the Sun Rockers improve to 19-8.
Kyle Hunt finished the match with 14 points, three rebounds and two assists while Stevan Jelovac added double-double 13 points and 12 boards as the NeoPhoenix tumbled to a a 5-22 win-loss record.
Ravena, a former Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles star, sustained a metacarpal oblique fracture on his right index finger. No timetable given for his return.
“In the future, we will undergo a detailed examination and provide appropriate treatment and rehabilitation,” the team said in a statement.
San-En, though, gets a much needed reboot and possibly having Ravena back as it will take a three-week break before heading home to face Hiroshima Dragonflies (4-23) at Toyohashi City General Gymnasium./PN
