Wright’s Kyoto prevails over Ramos’ Hokkaido; 3 other Filipinos secure wins

MANILA, Philippines – Matthew Wright poured in 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting as he helped the Kyoto Hannaryz squeak past Dwight Ramos and the Levanga Hokkaido, 80-75, in the Japan B. League on Saturday, November 19, at the Yotsuba Arena Tokachi.

The former Phoenix Fuel Masters shooting guard also had 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal in almost 21 minutes of playing time. 

Wright’s 18 markers were the team’s third-highest scoring output in the game behind teammates Jerrod Uthoff and Yoskiaki Kubota, who scored 35 and 21 points, respectively.

Ramos, meanwhile, had 10 points on 4-of-7 shooting, 1 assist, and 1 steal in over 16 minutes of game time for Hokkaido. 

Joining Ramos and Hokkaido in the loss column is Ray Parks Jr. and the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins. 

Parks played for almost 23 minutes and tallied 15 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 1 block, but was unable to prevent a loss as his team succumbed to the Kawasaki Brave Thunders, 85-73, at the Park Arena Komaki.

The final match in Division 1 saw Thirdy Ravena take the floor in the San-En NeoPhoenix’s 81-75 triumph over the Akita Northern Happinets at the CNA Arena Akita.

Ravena accumulated 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 assist in over 25 minutes of playing time off the bench. 

Over in Division 2, Kobe Paras continued to get minutes under his belt as he got over 10 minutes of playing time and put up 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting and a rebound in Altiri Chiba’s 98-64 demolition of Earthfriends Tokyo Z at the Ota Ward General Gymnasium. 

The other Division 2 game that featured a Filipino import was the clash between Jordan Heading’s Nagasaki Velca and the Saga Ballooners at the Sea Hat Omura. 

Heading started the game and played over 30 minutes, but his team couldn’t ward off the Balloons as they fell 110-107 at the final whistle.

The lefty shooting guard only shot 4-of-14 from the field but still ended up with 17 points along with 2 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. 

Other results

Division 1

Ryukyu Golden Kings def. Shiga Lakes, 72-51. (Jay Washington – 2 pts, 3 rebs, 3:34 mins, Kiefer Ravena – 0 pts, 3 rebs, 1 ast, 2 stls)

Shinshu Brave Warriors def. Fighting Eagles Nagoya, 89-75. (Matthew Aquino – 3 points, 4 rebs, 1 stl, 13:49 mins) 

Hiroshima Dragonflies def. Chiba Jets, 92-77. (Justine Baltzar – 0 pts, 1 ast, 1:39 mins)

Division 2

Rizing Zephyr Fukuoka def. Nishinomiya Storks, 72-65. (Greg Slaughter – not with team)

– Rappler.com