Shiga Lakestars’ Kiefer Ravena. –SHIGA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Shiga and Kiefer Ravena split their weekend series against San-En, losing 93-80 in the second game of the back-to-back in the Japan B.League Sunday at Hamamatsu Arena in Shizuoka.
The loss sent the Lakestars to a 10-18 record at the ninth seed of the West Conference while the NeoPhoenix, while still at the bottom of the table, improved to 5-28.
San-En went on a 25-10 run across the middle quarters to effectively pull away from the Lakestars with Tsuya Kazuma hitting a three-pointer for the 53-38 lead early in the third.
Suguira Yusei then drilled a step-back jumper for the NeoPhoenix’ 68-48 lead with 1:41 left in the penultimate frame.
Ravena finished with a game-high 28 points with eight assists and four steals to lead the Lakestars while Sean O’mara added 19 points, 11 rebounds, and three steals.
Elias Harris finished with 26 points and 10 rebounds for the NeoPhoenix who played without Thirdy Ravena, who is playing for Gilas Pilipinas in the 2023 Fiba Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers.