Thirdy Ravena matched his elder brother’s great performance as he unloaded a game-high 27 points for San-En Neophoenix when it got back at the Shiga Lakestars, 101-96, in overtime.
Ravena’s big game allowed the Neophoenix to make up for their loss to the Lakestars in their second weekend game at the start of the 2021-22 B.League at the Ukaruchan Arena.
“I’m very happy to be on the court with my brother. It was a very good game. Both games were tough. But we both had a good game,” said the 24-year-old Ravena.
His triple at the 2:22 mark handed NeoPhoenix an eight-point cushion in the extra period, allowing his team to avenge its loss to the Lakestars on Saturday.
Elias Harris added 18 points, with his two freebies in the remaining 4:43 of extra time shattering an 85-all regulation deadlock, leading to a 12-3 run in the ensuing time. He earlier forced the overtime when he connected with a jumper in the final 1:26 of regulation.
Kiefer Ravena, who powered Shiga with 20 points, tried to force a win in the closing minute, but he bungled one of three Lakestar attempts.
“I’m happy we have played against each other in a professional game. So he gets the last laugh. But we’re happy that we came out healthy,” said the elder Ravena.
On Saturday, Kiefer came off the bench for the Lakestars, who rallied from 22 points to outplay Thirdy and San-En in the opener, 93-83.
In that game, Kiefer tallied 11 points on 4-of-9 shooting, to go with eight assists and three steals with no turnovers.
Meanwhile, Juan Gomez de Liano shot 10 points for Earthfriends Tokyo Z, which absorbed an 85-100 loss to Kagawa Five Arrows at Temple Municipal Gymnasium in Japan. The Filipino import once again came off the bench and logged 16 minutes on the floor, shooting 2-of-5 from downtown, to go with two rebounds and one steal.
The Kobe Paras-led Niigata took a close 81-85 loss at the hands of Kyoto to open its bid at City Hall Plaza Aore.
Paras had 25 points on 8-of-15 shooting, with four triples, four assists and two steals.
The 6’6” swingman who used to play University of the Philippines, sizzled at the start, hitting 11 of his first 15 halftime points.
