B.League: Kiefer Ravena leads Shiga rally past Thirdy, San-en

Kiefer Ravena stars in Shiga Lakestar's comeback win. B. LEAGUE PHOTO

Kiefer Ravena stars in Shiga Lakestar’s comeback win. B. LEAGUE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Shiga mounted a late comeback sparked by Kiefer Ravena to beat visiting San-en, 93-83, in the Japan B.League Saturday at Ukaruchan Arena in Otsu, Shiga, Japan.

Ravena accounted for his team’s first 10 points in the final frame as the Lakestars quickly erased an 11-point deficit. Shiga trailed by as many as 22 points in the third quarter.

He finished with 11 points, three rebounds, eight assists and three steals as he outdueled his younger brother Thirdy, who also had 11 points.

In a marquee matchup featuring the two Ravenas on opposing teams, host Shiga offered free admission to Filipinos who wanted to catch the game live.

Shiga big man Ovie Soko scored a team-high 18 points, including the go-ahead basket, 75-74, with 6:35 left.

The Lakestars, who went on a 24-1 run in the fourth period, held the NeoPhoenix scoreless until the 3:37 mark.

A three-point play by Soko off a setup by Kiefer sealed the game, 90-79, with 55 ticks to go.

Shiga hopes to make it 2-0 early in the season when it faces San-en again on Sunday.

San-en’s Elias Harris led all scorers with 19 points.

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