B.League: Kobe Paras, Niigata post first win in thriller

Niigata Albirex BB

Photo from Niigata Albirex BB Instagram

MANILA, Philippines—Niigata chalked up its first win of the 2021-22 B.League season overcoming Kyoto, 76-75, in dramatic fashion Sunday at City Hall Plaza Aore Nagaoka.

Yuto Nohmi drilled the game-winning jumper with three seconds left in the nip-and-tuck game.

Struggling the whole game, Kobe Paras converted on two crucial baskets down the stretch for the Albirex BB first with a nifty baseline drive that trimmed the deficit to three, 73-70, with 2:56 to play.

Paras then went for a layup with 1:26 left to push Niigata again within three points of Kyoto, 72-75.

The Filipino star, who dazzled with 25 points in his B.League debut on Saturday, also grabbed a crucial rebound that gave the Albirex BB their final possession of the game.

Yuto and Rosco Allen both had 16 points to lead Niigata, which improved to 1-1 in the standings, while Zen Endo, Paras, and former San Antonio Spur Jeff Ayres added 10 points apiece.

David Simon had a game-high 21 points with eight rebounds, five assists, and two blocks to lead Kyoto, which beat Niigata, 85-81, on Saturday.

RELATED STORIES

Kobe Paras not satisfied after 25-point Japan B.League debut

Read more...