Kyoto Hannaryz player Matthew Wright. –B.LEAGUE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Matthew Wright continued to impress for Kyoto Hannaryz as they defeated Dwight Ramos and Levanga Hokkaido, 99-84, in the Japan B.League at Yotsuba Arena Tokachi on Sunday.
Wright scorched with 24 points, sinking six triples in the process, while also garnering five assists, four rebounds and three steals as Kyoto repeated over Levanga.
“The focus was to keep up the same energy, go through my same routine and execute the same game plan. We just made minor adjustments, but we essentially played the same basketball we did yesterday,” said Wright during the on-court interview.
“I felt very comfortable out there. My confidence is definitely growing. Getting better at reading the plays and knowing where I’m going to get my shots offensively. I’m starting to settle into my role now in the team.”
Dwight Ramos tweaks ankle
Ramos, meanwhile, helped Levanga with 11 markers, six boards and four dimes in a losing effort before suffering an ankle sprain in the fourth quarter. He is questionable for Hokkaido’s next game.
Wright said it was the first time he and Ramos, who never played in the UAAP in the Philippines, met in person.
“We’re cordial, we follow each other on social. It was my pleasure to play against a fellow national team player. I’ve been a fan of him for a while now. It’s unfortunate to see him go down with an injury,” said Wright of Ramos.
San-En Neophoenix’s Thirdy Ravena. –B.LEAGUE PHOTO
Meanwhile, San-En Neophoenix received help from Thirdy Ravena to squeak past the Akita Northern Happinets, 93-90, at CNA Arena Akita.
“What a phenomenal TEAM WIN. Our Japanese players were amazing. 4 of us fouled out but they finished strong in OT without having any import since late in the 4th quarter! said Thirdy in a tweet.
Ravena had an efficient shooting night, sinking seven of his 11 attempts from the field for 16 markers to go along with four boards and three dimes.
Over at Park Arena Komaki, the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins trounced the Kawasaki Brave Thunders, 77-58.
Bobby Ray Parks helped Nagoya’s cause with eight points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals.
Kiefer Ravena and Justin Baltazar both did not see action in their teams’ respective matches.
Baltazar sat out the Hiroshima Dragonflies’ loss to the Chiba Jets at Funabishi Arena, 91-77.
Ravena also was not fielded in Ryukyu Golden Kings’ victory over the Shiga Lakes, 89-84, at Okinawa Arena.
Jay Washington, however, was used a bit more by Ryukyu as he played for 10 minutes, scoring three points in the win.