Kobe Paras and Niigata could not sustain their strong start, faltering late in a heartbreaking 69-72 loss to Hokkaido in the 2021-22 B.League season, Sunday at Hokkai Kitayeru.
Paras had 18 points on 50-percent shooting from the field with three rebounds, three assists, and a block.
By the end of the opening frame alone, Paras already had 10 points, outscoring Levanga all by his lonesome as the hosts only put up nine points in the opening frame.
Levanga recovered in the second frame that led to a thrilling finish.
Up 66-65 after a Yuto Ohmi three, De’Mon Brooks was able to answer right back with a trey of his own followed by a layup.
Rosco Allen scored a triple afterward to cut the lead down to one with 1:36 left.
Brooks, later on, was able to score off a Niigata turnover with 14 ticks remaining.
In the endgame, Rosco Allen decided to take a contested three instead of passing off to a free Paras on his left as. The three missed as time expired.
Allen had 16 points spiked by two threes and seven rebounds, while Tshilidzi Nephawe added 15 points.
However, Albirex suffered their third straight loss to fall to 2-4. Also 2-4 are Levanga.
Shawn Long led Hokkaido with 22 points and eight rebounds, while Brooks had 18 points and six rebounds.
Paras and Niigata will host Mikawa on Friday and Saturday.
