Thirdy Ravena and San-En exacted vengeance on his brother Kiefer and Shiga less than 24 hours after their 22-point meltdown.
This time around, it was the NeoPhoenix that stormed back from an 18-point deficit. Then they took over in overtime to silence the Lakestars, 101-96, in the 2021-22 B.League season, Sunday at Ukaruchan Arena.
Like the Lakestars yesterday, the NeoPhoenix rallied in the second half after a slow start. They eventually tied the game at 85-all with eight seconds remaining.
Thirdy Ravena had the chance to send the game home but slipped, causing a turnover and one last chance for the Lakestars with three seconds remaining.
A beautifully drawn play by Shiga head coach Luis Guil Torres resulted in a wide-open Ovie Soko layup. However, the Brit overcooked his attempt as time expired.
Already up by five, 94-89, with 2:22 left, Thirdy knocked down a cold-blooded corner triple that proved to be the dagger.
Thirdy had 21 points in the game along with seven rebounds and five assists.
Kiefer, on the other hand, put up 20 points with seven assists and a steal.
Both teams end opening weekend with 1-1 slates.
San-En’s Elias Harris had 18 points, 10 rebounds, three steals, two assists, and two blocks while Robert Carter added 17 points.
For Shiga, Soko tallied 20 points and 12 rebounds, while Sean O’Mara chipped in 19 points and nine rebounds.
Kiefer and Shiga will continue their homestand next weekend as they host Ibaraki. Javi Gomez de Liaño, though, has yet to leave the country as of today.
On the other hand, Thirdy will face a familiar foe next as San-En faces Kobe Paras and Niigata next weekend at Hamamatsu Arena.
