San-En NeoPhoenix struggled anew against B.League defending champions Alvark Tokyo, bowing 65-88, Sunday afternoon at Arena Tachikawa Tachihi.
Thirdy Ravena bounced back from a four-point game in yesterday’s 76-94 loss to the same team, tallying 13 points and five rebounds. The 6-foot-3 swingman went just 5-of-17 from the field, though, while committing three errors.
The three-time UAAP Finals MVP though sprained his left ankle midway through the second stanza after stepping on the foot of Kevin Jones.
Though Ravena returned, Alvark’s firepower was just too much for the struggling NeoPhoenix.
A 26-point second quarter gave the defending champs a 45-30 halftime lead built on 10 triples before taking a 27-point lead, 83-56, with four minutes left.
Stevan Jelovac paced San-En with 19 points and 17 rebounds.
Foul-plagued Kyle Hunt managed to put up 13 points.
San-En suffered its fourth straight loss to fall to a 2-13 standing in the West District.
Alvark, who went up to 10-5 in the East, was led by Alex Kirk, who had 17 points and 14 boards.
NeoPhoenix heads to the Matsue City General Gymnasium on Wednesday, December 2 as they face Shimane.
