Kiefer Ravena and Shiga’s brave fourth quarter stand could not overcome B.League leader Ryukyu, falling 73-82, Sunday at Ukaru-chan Arena.
Coming off a crushing 98-84 loss yesterday, the Lakestars put up a fight this time around.
Falling behind 67-55 early in the final frame, the quintet of Ravena, Teppei Kashigawara, Sean O’ Mara, Novar Gadson, and Tomomasa Ozawa rallied the Lakestars back, cutting the lead down to four, 71-75, with 1:15 left.
Flippin Koh though scored on a top fader to stop the Golden Kings’ bleeding.
A turnover by Kashigawara led to free throws for Dwayne Evans that eventually sealed the 19th straight win for Ryukyu.
Evans led Ryukyu with 23 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals while Jack Cooley added 15 points from off the bench duties. Allen Durham got 13 points and eight rebounds as well in the win.
O’ Mara paced Shiga, who fell to 10-21, with 19 points and 13 rebounds while Ravena got 14 points, three rebounds, and three assists.
Shiga will next face Kawasaki at Todoroki Arena on Wednesday.
In the B.League Division II, Aomori (2-37) suffered its 20th straight loss after being routed by Ehime (18-22), 70-92.
Kemark Carino played 13 minutes in the game, tallying two points and two rebounds.
Aomori will next face Yamagata on Wednesday at Yamagata Prefectural Sports Park.
