Kai Sotto ends 2024 strong, propels Koshigaya to back to back wins

Koshigaya Alphas Filipino enter Kai Sotto during a Japan B.League game. –KOSHIYAGA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Kai Sotto ended the year with a bang as he led the Koshigaya Alphas to their second straight win after beating  Shiga Lakes, 88-78, in the 2024-25 B.League season on Monday at Shiga Daihatsu Arena.

Sotto unleashed another double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds in 36 minutes of action to end the year 2024 with two straight wins for an improved 8-18 record.

READ: Kai Sotto’s double-double helps Koshigaya back on track

The 7-foot-3 center shot 60 percent from the field and blocked two shots.

Reiju Sasakura led the way for the Alphas with 20 points. Tim Soares delivered 15 points, 13 rebounds, and four assists, while Shun Matsuyama nailed a clutch basket that kept Shiga at bay and finished with 12 points and six assists.

Sotto ended Koshigaya’s six-game skid by dropping 16 points, 14 rebounds, and three blocks in their 89-62 rout of Shiga on Sunday.

Shiga remained at the bottom place with a 2-24 record.

READ: Kai Sotto continues stellar play for struggling Koshigaya

It has been an amazing year for Sotto. He led Gilas Pilipinas to an impressive Fiba Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers campaign and also turned heads in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament last July.

The Gilas star has been averaging a double-double of 14.5 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 24 games.

Sotto and the Alphas return to action after the New Year on Saturday against the Seahorses Mikawa.