B. League: Sa-En takes beating from Ryukyu in Ravena return

FILE — SanEn NeoPhoenix. SAN EN PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—It was a tough return for Thirdy Ravena after San-En ran straight to a brutal 110-71 beating at the hands of Ryukyu in the Japanese B. League Wednesday at Okinawa City Gym.

Ravena returned to the NeoPhoenix after suffering a fractured finger on January 2 in a game against the SunRockers Shibuya.

The Golden Kings, one of the top teams in the league, had a blistering 19-of-36 shooting from beyond the arc, effectively shooting down any chances for the NeoPhoenix.

【3/31 #Bリーグ 第30節】#三遠ネオフェニックス 🆚 #琉球ゴールデンキングス

FINAL 71-110
相手にオープンショットを許し過ぎ大差での敗戦。
サーディの復帰戦を勝利で飾れず悔しい限りですが週末3日後のホーム川崎戦では必ず勝利をお届けできるようチーム全員で戦います！#NoRegret #Bリーグ pic.twitter.com/TtwPnDPK6B

— 三遠ネオフェニックス🐤🔥SAN-EN NEOPHOENIX (@NEO_PHOENIX) March 31, 2021

Ravena, who had more than a three-month recovery period, had 11 points on a bad 5-of-14 shooting from the field.

San-En tried to fight in the first half erasing a 12-point deficit to go within three, 36-33, but Ryukyu had a quick 12-0 answer to take a 48-33 lead heading into the break.

Despite getting Ravena back, the NeoPhoenix did not have Serbian center Stevan Jelovac who got injured in their previous game against Utsunomiya Brex.

Kyle Hunt put up 17 points, 12 rebounds, two blocks, and two steals to lead the NeoPhoenix, who fell to an 11-38 record, while Nenad Miljenovic added 16 points.

Jack Cooley led the 36-10 Golden Kings with 16 points and 11 rebounds.