FILE – Photo from San-En NeoPhoenix’s Twitter account
MANILA, Philippines—San-En snapped its seven-game skid after holding off Shiga’s late-game rally to win, 82-76, in the Japanese B.League Sunday at Ukaru-chan Arena.
Thirdy Ravena did a bit of everything with seven points six rebounds and three assists in 30 minutes of play for the NeoPhoenix as he tries to regain his full form after being sidelined for over two months due to a fractured finger.
It was Tatsuya Suzuki, though, who was the spark in the NeoPhoenix’s stand in the fourth, scoring five of his 13 points in the period.
The Lakestars, led by Angus Brandt, came from 65-50 down in the third to pull within six, 70-64, midway through the fourth.
Suzuki then led San-En to an 8-1 run to push their lead back to 78-65 with Hayato Kawashima converting on a layup to cap off the spurt.
Stevan Jelovac spearheaded the NeoPhoenix’s offense with 28 points, 12 rebounds, and two steals while Kawashima had 16 points and five assists.
The NeoPhoenix improved to a 12-41 record while Shiga dropped to 18-33.
Jordan Hamilton finished with 25 points, eight rebounds, and five assists for the Lakestars.