B.League: Kiefer Ravena, Shiga fall to Dwight Ramos-less Toyama

FILE – Shiga Lakerstars’ Kiefer Ravena. Photo from B.League

MANILA, Philippines—Shiga and Kiefer Ravena came up short in their comeback bid and fell to Toyama, 108-103, in the West Conference of the 2021-22 Japan B.League season Wednesday at Ukaruchan Arena in Otsu.

The Lakestars clawed back from 14 points down, 101-87, midway through the fourth to get to within four, 107-103, after back-to-back three pointers from Ravena and Kashiwagura Teppei with 25 seconds to play.

Toyama’s two-possession lead, however, was safe enough as Kashiwagura and Novar Gadson couldn’t convert on their three-point attempts in the final 10 seconds of the game.

The loss was the Lakestars fifth in six games, sending them to a 10-19 record while the Grouses, who played without Dwight Ramos, got their second win in three outings for a 15-21 card.

The Lakestars enjoyed an early 34-18 lead in the first quarter but got dry in the two middle quarters as the Grouses found their footing in the third going on a 23-6 run to take an 89-68 lead courtesy of Brice Johnson’s jumper with 1:25 to play in the period.

Gadson had a game-high 41 points with eight rebounds and three steals to lead Shiga while Ravena put up 24 points and 10 assists off the bench.

Johnson led Toyama with 33 points, 15 rebounds, eight assists, and four blocks.