An inspired late rally by Aomori fell short as it was handed a 60-53 loss by Yamagata in the 2021-22 B.League season, Wednesday at New Aomori Sports Park.
Kemark Carino was given early minutes but he was not able to seize the opportunity.
The 6-foot-8 San Beda product played seven minutes and 35 seconds in the opening frame but missed all his field goal attempts, grabbed one rebound, while having a steal. Carino went a minus-10 during the first quarter that saw the Wat’s fall behind 6-11 early.
Down by as much as 12 points in the contest and 37-45 entering the final frame, Hayate Komosawa caught fire, scoring 10 straight points to cut the lead down to just two, 53-55, with 1:56 left.
Kenny Lawson Jr. and Shunto Murakawi though nailed big buckets to avert disaster.
Lawson led the Wyverns with 23 points and 11 rebounds while Jawad Williams added nine points and eight rebounds.
Yamagata rose to 8-3 in the east while handing Aomori its fourth straight loss to go down to 1-10 in the east.
Komosawa paced Aomori with 22 points on 9-of-16 shooting from the field with five rebounds, four assists, and a steal.
Renaldo Dixon got 19 points, nine rebounds, and four blocks while Hiroki Usui added six points and nine rebounds.
Michael Craig did not play in the game.
Aomori will stay at home for the weekend as it takes on the Flying Eagles Nagoya.
