By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Kobe Paras and the Niigata Albirex outlasted Thirdy Ravena and the San-En NeoPhoenix, 77-64, for their second straight win in the Japan B. League.
After the Thirdy and Kiefer Ravena all-Asian import showdown last week, it was Kobe against Thirdy this time as the two young stars traded baskets in front of their Filipino fans in Japan.
The two stalwarts didn’t disappoint as Paras led his team with 21 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks.
On the other hand, Ravena chipped in 16 points, four assists, two rebounds, and two steals in a losing effort.
It was all oohs and aahs in the arena every time the two Asian imports were matched up against each other with Ravena getting past Paras for a layup then Paras getting back with a three on the other end.
However, Paras’ scoring spree and Niigata’s defensive intensity increased in the second half that posted a lot of trouble for Raven and San-En to recover.
“I’m grateful for my teammates, for the Filipino fans who came here to support. We have a great coaching staff, so without them, I wouldn’t be able to play my game,” said Paras.
Despite the losing effort, Ravena became San-En’s leading scorer in the game with 16 coming off a tremendous 21-point game against his big brother Kiefer last week.
