Kiefer Ravena, Shiga fall to Shibuya anew for 8th straight loss

MANILA, Philippines – Kiefer Ravena and the Shiga Lakestars failed to break out of their slump in the Japan B. League as they once again succumbed to the Sunrockers Shibuya, 95-82, on Monday, December 6, at the Sumida-ku City Gymnasium.

Ravena, who scored just 4 points in their 27-point loss to the Sunrockers on Sunday, December 5, came up with a much better showing for the Lakestars, finishing with an all-around game of 13 points, 6 assists, 5 steals, and 2 rebounds in 29 minutes off the bench.

After leading by 4 points at halftime, 48-44, the Lakestars failed to sustain their momentum in the third period as they were outscored by the Sunrockers, 30-16, for a 74-64 lead entering the final frame.

The Sunrockers never looked back in the fourth quarter, where they stretched their advantage to as many as 17 points, 87-70, which proved too big for Ravena and the Lakestars to conquer with just 3:44 left in the game.

Leo Vendrame topscored for Shibuya with 18 points, while Josh Harrellson tallied a double-double of 15 points and 15 rebounds in the victory.

Tomomasa Ozawa put up a game-high 22 points, while Sean O’mara added 15 markers and 8 boards for Shiga, which absorbed its eighth straight loss and dropped further down the standings with a 6-10 record.

The Lakestars look to return to their winning ways on Saturday, December 11, when they take on the Toyama Grouses in a highly anticipated showdown between Ravena and his former Gilas Pilipinas teammate Dwight Ramos at 4:05 pm (Manila time).