Kobe Paras scores 21 as Niigata beats Thirdy Ravena, NeoPhoenix
FILE–Kobe Paras for Niigata Albirex BB in Japan B. League. NIIGATA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Niigata and Kobe Paras got their second win in three games at the expense of San-En, 77-64, in their inter-conference matchup in the B.League Saturday at Hamamatsu Arena.
The Albirex BB improved to a 2-1 record in the East Conference while the NeoPhoenix and Thirdy Ravena dropped to 1-2 in the West Conference.
San-En trailed by as much as 15, 33-18, in the second quarter but mounted a serious fight in the third to get to within three, 47-44, after Justin Knox’ lone conversion from the field midway through the period.
#KobeParas ends the game with a SLAM 😤!!#bleague #basketball
Posted by B.LEAGUE（Japan Professional Basketball League） on Saturday, October 9, 2021
Niigata, however, responded with an 11-3 run to take a 58-47 lead courtesy of Para’s three-point play with 2:02 left in the third.
Paras then put the Albirex BB up 14, 70-56, when he drove for a layup with 3:08 to play.
Paras had 21 points, five rebounds, two steals, and two blocks while Rosco Allen finished with a game-high 23 points with eight rebounds and four assists to lead Niigata.
Ravena led the NeoPhoenix with 16 points, four assists, and three steals.
RELATED STORIES
Thirdy Ravena revved up to face ‘best friend’ Kobe Paras
Kobe Paras not satisfied after 25-point Japan B.League debut
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
