Kobe Paras may have cooled down from his explosive debut, but Niigata was able to exact vengeance on Kyoto, taking a 76-75 win in the 2021-22 B.League season, Sunday at City Hall Plaza Aore.
Despite not dropping 25 points this time, the 6-foot-6 winger out of University of the Philippines will like this outing better.
After going scoreless in the final frame yesterday and struggling to find his shot in this game, Paras’ two big jumpers in the clutch sliced a once 11 point Hannaryz lead down to three with 1:25 left.
Down by one, 74-75, with 27 ticks remaining, Paras was able to secure a crucial rebound off a Kazuki Hosokawa miss. It led to Yuto Nohmi bucket.
David Simon missed his attempt as the buzzer sounded with both teams closing out the opening weekend with even slates.
Paras, who battled fouls earlier, had 10 points on 5-of-14 shooting with two rebounds.
Nohmi played big, scoring 16 points, while Rosco Allen tallied 16 points, six assists, and four rebounds.
David Simon led Kyoto with 21 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and two blocks. Meanwhile, Hosokawa added 15 markers built on three triples.
Paras will next face good pal Thirdy Ravena next weekend as Albirex heads to San-En’s Hamamatsu Arena.
