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San-En NeoPhoenix emerged victorious in a throbbing 83-82 win against Shimane Susanoo Magic at the Matsue City Gymnasium in Matsue, Japan on Saturday night.
Thirdy Ravena, who made his long-awaited Japan B. League debut, scored 13 points, grabbed three rebounds and dished out three assists in nearly 22 minutes of action.
Despite not playing in San-En’s first 10 games, the 6’3 shooting guard played a decisive role in his team’s crucial run of the fourth quarter, scoring eight of his points there.
Philippine treasure Sadie Ravena finally debuts 🌟
三 遠 # 1 Thirdy Ravena / SG / 189cm
Thirdy Ravena from the Philippines finally made her B.LEAGUE debut! 🇵🇭@ThirdyRavenaaa @NEO_PHOENIX
Watch the game on Basket LIVE 🏀
▶ ️https: //t.co/o1fjVDzyry# League B pic.twitter.com/5e0yPxKKGe– B.LIGA （B リ ー グ） (@B_LEAGUE) November 7, 2020
The team, which nearly lost an eight-point lead, prevailed for the second time this season in 11 games after Hayato Kawashima scored the game-winning free throws with 3.6 seconds left.
Before that, Magic import De’Mon Brooks capped a 9-0 streak with two gifts with 19.0 seconds remaining.
“We thought the match was over in the last two minutes. It is a lesson for us,” said head coach Branislav Vićentić, who was impressed with his new player.
“It was good. We were talking about Thirdy. I’m so happy that he debuted. He’s one with the win. We talked about one of the great players and he’s one of those. He was under pressure, his first professional game, he still showed it all. We talk a lot because I know it can affect our game better, “he added.
Ravena, who was the league’s first signed Asian Quota importer, started at the two-guard line and scored his first point, a free throw, at the 8:41 mark of the first.
The former UAAP Finals MVP scored his first field goal, a two-handed dunk midway through the opening chapter.
He wouldn’t see much action in the middle quarters, but he was dispatched right away to start the fourth quarter.
Ravena scored a one-handed hard, a layup, another float and a shot to the bench in the fourth, showing nuances of his excellent time at the Ateneo.
“Well I am definitely grateful for all the fans who watched. As you can see, I still have a lot to improve, especially my physical condition. I am very tired but I am happy that the team won. Ravenna said.
He was benched by Vićentić when San-En had a 79-71 lead going into the final two minutes before the team gave up their lead.
The guard was inserted into the final possession, where the Magic’s foreign reinforcement Perrin Buford was stripped and lost his sixth bout in 11 games.
Serbian Stevan Jerovac led San-En with 22 points, while his import partner Kyle Hunt added 15.
Brooks posted 19 markers, while Travis added 17 for Shimane.
The two teams will meet again on Sunday at the same venue.
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