AICHI, JAPAN — Despite giving his all, Thirdy Ravena’s inspired rally was not enough to lift San En. NeoPhoenix bowed to Osaka, 84-85, Wednesday evening at Toyohashi City General Gymnasium.
Takuya Hashimoto handed NeoPhoenix their 11th loss in 13 outings in the West District of the 2020-21 B.League Season.
Down by one with 3.9 ticks left, Hashimoto was able to drive past Ravena and score on a wide-open lay-up.
In the next possession, Akatsuki Five veteran Atsuya Ota panicked on the inbound, throwing the ball away despite a good Ravena cut.
Still, it was another note-worthy game for the Asian import. Ravena had 18 points, five rebounds, and three steals in the loss.
Facing a 66-55 deficit entering the final frame, Ravena made huge stops in a 14-3 blast to knot things up.
Evessa were able to gain a late lead, 83-79, but Hayato Kawashima and Shingo Okada were able to put NeoPhoenix up.
Then Hashimoto delivered the backbreaking winner afterward.
Kyle Hunt paced San-En with 28 points, eight rebounds, and two swats. Serbian Stevan Jelovac was limited to just six markers.
Hashimoto had 25 points to lift Osaka to a 5-8 slate, also in the West District. Ira Brown added 18 points and eight rebounds.
Ravena and San-En head to Arvark next this weekend.
