By Mark Angelo Mañez

PHOTO: Japan B League Photos

Manila - Kiefer Ravena took the last laugh from younger sib Thirdy as the Shiga Lakestars claw back from 22 points down and stun San-En NeoPhoenix, 93-83 in the 2021-22 Japan B.League season opener at the Ukaruchan Arena Saturday

The former NLEX Road Warrior ignited a furious 21-0 blitz after being down 59-37 midway in the third period. He finished the game with a decent 11 point performance throughout. He also dished out eight assists, three boards, and two steals in 25 minutes without making a single turnover.

Fellow Lakestar and world import Ovie Soko punished San-En's interior with his 18-point, 11-rebound double-double, including 11 in their demoralizing 30-point fourth quarter demolition holding the NeoPhoenix without a basket until 3:37 of the payoff period.

Sean O'Mara also contributed for the opening win with his 17 points, nine rebounds and three assists.

Novar Gadson contributed 16 points, four rebounds, and three assists off the bench, and Teppei Kashiwagura shot 3-of-6 from deep for his 14 points.

Although shaky in his sophomore season, Thirdy Ravena still finished with 11 markers, six rebounds and two steals in the defeat. Elias Harris paced the NeoPhoenix with 19 points and nine boards, as Shota Tsuyama got 15 points and four assists for coach Luis Torres' wards.

Both teams clash once more the following day, Sunday at San-En's home stadium.

SHIGA 93 - Soko 18, O'Mara 17, Gaddson 16, Kashiwagura 14, K. Ravena 11, Ozawa 9, Forrest 8.

SAN-EN 83 - Harris 19, Tsuyama 15, T. Ravena 11, Carter 10, Knox 10, Matsuwaki 7, Sugiura 4, Tawatari 4, Ota 2, Tsuya 1.

15-25, 35-52, 63-74, 93-83