Shiga guard Kiefer Ravena attacks the basket during the game against Chiba. Photo from B.League
MANILA, Philippines—Shiga suffered its second straight defeat as it lost to Chiba, 99-88, in its inter-conference matchup in the 2021-22 Japan B.League season Saturday at Funabashi Arena.
The Lakestars dropped to a 6-4 record while the Jets broke away from their tie and improved to 7-3.
A 27-10 run bridging the third and second quarters proved instrumental for the Jets to turn things around as they got back from a 35-29 deficit to take a 56-45 lead off of Gavin Edwards’ jumper in the first minute of the penultimate frame.
Christopher Smith led Chiba with 26 points and six rebounds while Sato Takuma and John Mooney both had 15 points,
Kiefer Ravena finished with 14 points, nine assists, and two steals for the Lakestars with Ovie Soko carrying the bulk of their scoring with 28 points to go along eight rebounds, two steals, and one block.
Osaka, meanwhile, crushed Ibaraki, 90-72, and spoiled Javi Gomez de Liaño’s debut at Ookini Arena Maishima.
The Evessa improved to a 4-6 record while the Robots dropped to the bottom of the East Conference at 1-9.
DJ Newbill led Osaka with 18 points, seven rebounds, and five assists while Kyle Hunt added 15 points and nine boards.
Marc Trasolini had 17 points and 11 rebounds to lead Ibaraki while Gomez de Liaño had three points in his debut.