Thirdy Ravena and the San-en NeoPhoenix fell to the Niigata Albirex BB, 86-79, on Sunday, December 20, at the Toyohashi City General Gymnasium.

The visiting team, which was on a sorry six-game losing streak, bagged a crucial away victory to up its record to 7-16 in the Japan B. League.

San-en, which enjoyed a three-game winning streak, stands behind Niigata with a 5-18 card.

The NeoPhoenix were missing American-Jamaican import Kyle Hunt, who was out with an injury after emerging as Saturday’s Player of the Game.

“I know it’s a tough game but I’m happy we walked away with a win in this one,” said Niigata import Allen Rosco, who led the visitors with 21 points and 10 boards.

Jason Washburn dropped 22 points, while three-time PBA Best Import Allen Durham posted 17 points and 12 rebounds.

Although San-en missed the services of Hunt, the host squad dominated the first half with Ravena posting 8 of his 10 points in the opening quarters to maintain the lead.

The Filipino stalwart, proving he’s getting his groove back after recovering from COVID-19, drained two threes in the first half.

But as Niigata zoned in on defense in the second half and limited San-en scoring leader Stevan Jelovac to only 5 points, the American duo of Rosco and Jason Washburn combined for an 11-2 run to take the lead, 60-56, in the 3:20 mark of the 3rd quarter.

Jelovac recorded 24 points and 10 boards in the losing effort.

San-en will return to action in another back-to-back weekend games against the Akita Happinets on Saturday, December 26.

The Scores

Niigata 86 – Washburn 22, Rosco 21, Durham 17, Sato 11, Kashiwagura 6, Iigarashi 3, Nohmi 3, Ikeda 3, Hayashi 0, Ohya 0.

San-en 79 – Jelovac 24, Ravena 10, Miljenovic 10, Kawashima 10, Terazuno 9, Nishikawa 6, Kazuma 6, Ota 4, Yamamoto 0, Shingo 0, Hunt 0.

Quarters: 17-25, 39-46, 66-60, 86-79.

– Rappler.com