By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Thirdy Ravena and the San-En NeoPhoenix continued their hot winning streak after outlasting Allen Durham and the Niigata Albirex BB in an action-packed Japan B. League showdown, 85-81.
Durham, a former superstar import in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) who spearheaded the Meralco Bolts’ finals campaign a couple of times, went toe-to-toe with the first-ever Filipino Asian import in the league Ravena.
Despite playing in limited minutes due to his recent recovery from COVID-19, Ravena sparked the NeoPhoenix off the bench after pouring in 11 big points, two rebounds, and one assist including the game-clinching defensive stop with 19 seconds left in the game.
Hanging on to an 83-81 lead, the NeoPhoenix needed one more defensive stop which Ravena provided. Guarding the bulkier Durham after a switch, Ravena was able to hold his ground and prevented the American import from scoring.
NeoPhoenix’s Kyle Hunt shot the lights out during the game and was trigger-ready in the second half after posting another double-double performance with 17 points and 12 rebounds.
Meanwhile, it was Durham who was terrific for Niigata with his all-around performance, producing 14 points, nine rebounds, and five dimes.
The huge win gave Ravena and the NeoPhoenix their third-straight victory and improved their record to 5-17.
