Thirdy Ravena, San-En win breakthrough B.League conference title

San-En Neophoenix Filipino import Thirdy Ravena in the Japan B.League.

MANILA, Philippines — Thirdy Ravena, the trailblazer of Filipino basketball players in Japan B.League, helped the San-En NeoPhoenix achieve theur first conference championship after ruling the Central division in the 2023-24 season.

Ravena and the NeoPhoenix clinched the Central Conference championship with a 96-62 rout of the Toyama Grouses on Wednesday.

Ravena, who started his B.League journey in San-En four years ago, delivered 13 points, two rebounds, and two steals to help make history for his club, which also clinched a playoff berth with a 41-10 record.

READ: Thirdy Ravena reaches milestone in B.League

Four days ago, his elder brother, Kiefer powered the Shiga Lakes to clinch the Western Conference title in B2 in their bid to return to the first division.

The Shiga star tallied 13 points and four assists as they beat Rizing Zephyr Fukuoka, 90-78, to secure the Western Conference championship with a 41-15 card. 

Meanwhile, Kai Sotto tallied 12 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks in Yokohama B-Corsairs’ tough 84-66 loss to the Shinshu Brave Warriors.

READ: Thirdy Ravena happy to see Filipinos thrive in B.League experience

Despite Sotto’s impressive double-double in 22 minutes of action, Yokohama slid to a 22-29 record.

Dwight Ramos delivered the goods in Levanga Hokkaido’s 79-79 win over the Ibaraki Robots with 12 points, four assists, two rebounds, two steals, and a block to improve to a 15-36 card. 

Ray Parks Jr. continued Nagoya Diamond Dolphins’ playoff push as he scored 13 points and grabbed four rebounds to beat the Ryukyu Golden Kings, 98-95, and rise to a 34-17 record.

Matthew Wright was also triumphant despite having five points, three rebounds, and two assists as Kyoto (14-37) beat Nagasaki, 82-78.