Niigata’s Kobe Paras. B. League photo
MANiLA, Philippines — Niigata blew a double-digit lead twice in a sorry 79-78 loss to Alvark Tokyo in the B.League Wednesday night at Arena Tachikawa Tachihi in Japan.
Ryan Rossiter came up clutch for Alvark, delivering the game’s final four points inside the last 30 seconds to steal the victory from Niigata.
Rossiter got the steal on Rosco Allen then scored the game-winner with 20 ticks remaining, just six seconds after making it a one-point game, 78-77.
The Albirex BB held a 14-point advantage in the third quarter and led, 74-64, with 4:35 remaining before Alvark battled back.
Alex Kirk scored a team-high 22 points while Rossiter finished with 11 for Alvark (6-3).
Allen led all scorers with 28 while Kobe Paras added 13 points and three steals for Niigata, which dropped further in the standings at 2-7.