B.League: NeoPhoenix-Lakestars rematch canceled due to COVID-19

Thirdy Ravena against Kiefer Ravena. SAN-EN PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The weekend series between San-En and Shiga in the 2021-22 Japan B.League season has been canceled due to COVID-19.

The weekend series would’ve been the rematch between brothers Thirdy and Kiefer Ravena, who faced against each other in the opening weekend of the season.

The NeoPhoenix had three players testing positive for the coronavirus while 11 other players came in close contact with them.

With 14 players involved, the B.League decided to cancel the January 22 and 23 matches as San-En won’t meet the minimum number of players who could suit up.

Shiga and Kiefer won their first meeting, 93-83, but San-En and Thirdy got one back the following day, 101-96.

The Lakestars sit at the ninth seed in the West Conference with a 9-17 record while the NeoPhoenix are at 10th holding a 4-22 card.

B.League has been cancelling matches, including the All-Star festivities, due to rising case of COVID-19 infections.