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.
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.