By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
It was the best Christmas gift that Filipino Asian import Thirdy Ravena and the rest of the San-En NeoPhoenix received this Holiday season.
Seeking to end their disappointing 14-game losing streak in the ongoing season of the Japan B. League, Ravena and the NeoPhoenix poured their all against the tough Seahorses Mikawa to finally get back in the winning column after two months, 88-80.
Ravena was clutch in the second half of the game after scoring all of his 11 points in the last 24 minutes of the ball game to go alongside his four rebounds and four assists.
It was a nip-and-tuck affair the whole game but the NeoPhoenix team suddenly caught fire in the second half as three other players together with Ravena also scored in double figures.
Justin Knox top-scored NeoPhoenix with 20 points while Elias Harris had a much-needed all-around game of 19 points, seven rebounds, and five assists.
San-En survived the scoring spree of Mikawa’s Jarrod Uthoff who chipped in a game-high 26 points.
The win helped improve NeoPhoenix’s win-loss record to 4-19 and will have the chance for a back-to-back winning streak as they take on the Ryukyu Golden Kings tomorrow.
