Kiefer Ravena got the last laugh over his younger brother Thirdy in his Japan B. League debut as the Shiga Lakestars mounted a 22-point comeback for a 93-83 stunner at home over the San-en NeoPhoenix on Saturday, October 2.
After being down by as many as 22 points, 37-59, late in the third quarter, and 13 entering the fourth, 61-74, Shiga roared to life on both ends of the court with a massive 26-1 start to effectively seal the deal in its favor over the hapless San-en visitors, 87-75.
The NeoPhoenix only recorded their first field goal of the entire final frame with only 1:55 left off a Robert Carter corner three, which proved to be too little, too late as the Lakestars cruised to a rousing home win.
Shiga’s international import trio of Ovie Soko, Sean O’mara, and Novar Gadson tallied 18, 17, and 16 points, respectively in the thrilling heist.
Kiefer took over facilitating duties in the endgame to great effect, and finished with 11 markers, 8 assists, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals with no turnovers to boot.
On the other end, San-en import Elias Harris led the heartbreaking meltdown loss with a game-high 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting.
Like his brother, Thirdy also tallied 11 markers, albeit on a 4-of-14 clip, to go with 5 boards and 2 steals.
After that crushing loss, the NeoPhoenix will have no time to grieve as they immediately battle the Lakestars again on Sunday, October 3, 1:35 pm.
The Scores
Shiga 93 – Soko 18, O’mara 17, Gadson 16, Kashiwagura 14, Ravena 11, Ozawa 9, Hayashi 8, Nomoto 0, Shibuta 0, Imagawa 0, Moriyama 0, Kawamata 0.
San-en 83 – Harris 19, Tsuyama 15, Ravena 11, Carter 10, Knox 10, Matsuwaki 7, Sugiura 4, Tawatari 4, Ota 2, Tsuya 1, Yamauchi 0.
Quarters: 15-25, 35-52, 61-74, 93-83.
