Thirdy Ravena could not get a victory in his return to San-En as NeoPhoenix bowed Ryukyu, 71-110, in the 2020-21 B.League season, Wednesday evening at Okinawa City Gymnasium.
Despite Ravena missing 21 games due to a fractured right index finger, San-En still started its Asian import.
Moreover, Ravena logged a career-high of 31 minutes, tallying 11 points on 5-of-14 shooting from the field, two rebounds, an assist, a block, and a steal.
Ryukyu proved to be a much more cohesive team, though, dismantling San-En in 40 minutes.
The West-leading Ryukyu unloaded a barrage of treys on San-En, knocking down a whopping 19 triples all throughout the contest.
The Golden Kings bombarded NeoPhoenix early, racing to an early 22-10 lead in the opening frame and never looked back.
NeoPhoenix cut the lead down to three, 33-36, midway through the second frame after two free throws from Tsuya Ichikyu. But the Golden Kings answered back with a 12-0 spurt for a double-digit halftime lead. They remained ahead the rest of the way.
A demoralized San-En squad could only muster 13 points in the final frame.
San-En, which dropped to 11-38 — still ninth in the West District — was led by Nenad Millenovic with 17 points, two rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
Kyle Hunt added 17 points and 12 boards. Stevan Jelovac missed the game due to injury.
Ryukyu remained on top of the West with a 36-10 slate.
The Golden Kings, which shot 52.2-percent from the field, had seven players score in double-digits.
Jack Cooley led the way with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Meanwhile, Seiya Funao and Keita Imamura added 15 markers each.
Kim Tillie also tallied a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Dwayne Evans chipped in 12 points, seven rebounds, and five assists.
Funao, Takumi Ishizaki, Ryuichi Kishimoto, and Naoki Tashiro all knocked down three triples each.
Ravena and San-En head home this weekend for a two-game homestand versus Kawasaki.
