FILE – Shiga Lakerstars’ Kiefer Ravena. Photo from B.League
MANILA, Philippines — Kiefer Ravena sank two crucial free throws to end the Shiga Lakestars’ 16-game skid after escaping Osaka Evessa, 79-78, at Japan B.League on Saturday at Ukaruchan Arena.
Ravena drew a foul from Hiromu Nakamura with 18 second left in the match and displayed nerves of steel, sinking the pair of freebies to stop Shiga’s losing streak, which started after their 104-100 victory over San-En last February 26.
今日のレイクスは強かった！
そしてブースターの皆さんの後押しのおかげで勝ち切った試合です。
明日も強いレイクスが表現できるよう皆さんの強いブーストをお願いします！！#滋賀レイクスターズ#勝ったぞーーーー！ https://t.co/GBGDuptNEG
— 上原 仁 /ueharajin /Coalis ジェネラルパートナー (@ueharajin) April 9, 2022
Makoto Kinoshita had a chance to put Osaka ahead, but he missed a jump shot as time ran out.
Ravena delivered a double-double with 13 points and 11 assists that went with three rebounds as the Lakestars improved to 11-33.
Novar Gadson powered Shiga with a double-double of his own, tallying 22 points and 10 rebounds. Teppei Kashiwagura and Sean O’Mara were also instrumental with 16 and 15 points, respectively.
Osaka dropped its seventh straight game, falling to 20-24 with Kinoshita leading the way with 20 points and seven assists.
後半最初の得点は #キーファー・ラベナ！
残り時間わずかでも危なげなし🔥@kieferravena #滋賀レイクスターズ #Bリーグ
LIVE📲https://t.co/M18wt50Wfj pic.twitter.com/HEYjLB3N88— 滋賀レイクス SHIGA LAKES (@shigalakestars) April 9, 2022
Meanwhile, Thirdy Ravena and Dwight Ramos didn’t play in their supposed showdown as the Toyama Grouses took down the San-En NeoPhoenix, 92-80, at Toyohashi City Gymnasium.
Ramos missed his third straight game for Toyama, while the younger Ravena was not in uniform as he was under the weather.
Joshua Smith lifted the Grouses with 24 points and 12 rebounds as Brice Johnson posted 21 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals for their third straight win to improve to 19-29
The NeoPhoenix lost their seventh straight match, falling to 8-38. Max Hisatake led San-En with 18 points and six rebounds, while Elias Harris delivered 17 points, nine rebounds and six assists.