San-En overwhelms Ramos, Levanga with a crushing victory, while Parks and Kiefer secure contrasting triumphs
Unfiltered, Unleashed Update:
Japan B. League 2022-2023 season kicked off with two heartbreaking losses for Filipino stars Thirdy Ravena and Dwight Ramos in the opening weekend. But things changed on Saturday, as the NeoPhoenix demolished Levanga Hokkaido, 76-57, with Ravena contributing just 5 points. Ramos was Levanga's top scorer with 15 points but couldn't snatch the win.
Kosuke Kanamaru led the NeoPhoenix with 17 points, while Yante Maten, Isaiah Hicks, and Kazuki Hosokawa added 15, 13, and 11 respectively. Hokkaido stayed close after three quarters, but San-En stepped up their game in the fourth, opening the frame with a 13-0 run to push their lead to a comfortable 21 points.
Meanwhile, Ray Parks continued his undefeated streak with Nagoya Diamond Dolphins after a 94-72 victory over Jay Washington's Ryukyu Golden Kings. Kiefer Ravena propelled Shiga Lakes to their first victory over Niigata Albirex BB, 96-88, in overtime.
However, Greg Slaughter faced yet another defeat with the Rizing Zephyr, this time against Ehime Orange Vikings, 80-76. After a forgettable B. League debut, Slaughter had a longer stint but still ended up on the losing side.
In other results, Matthew Wright was held out of the Fighting Eagles Nagoya's 78-66 victory over Kyoto Hannaryz. Kawasaki Brave Thunders' Justine Baltazar also didn't play in their narrow loss to Hiroshima Dragonflies. Jordan Heading posted 9 points for Nagasaki Velca in a 90-81 win over Kagawa Five Arrows, while Kobe Paras was inactive for Yamagata Wyverns' victory over Altiri Chiba.
Need a sports fix? Jump into our r/SportsTalk community (@oursportsapp on all platforms) to share thoughts, ask questions or get your daily dose of insightful conversation on this and more stories.
"Ray Parks is maintaining his undefeated stretch in the NBA, as he leads Nagoya Diamond Dolphins in a basketball victory over Jay Washington's Ryukyu Golden Kings."
"Despite Kosuke Kanamaru's impressive 17 points, Dwight Ramos suffered another loss with Levanga Hokkaido, even though he outscored his opponents with 15 points."
