Thirdy is still impressive but Neophoenix falls in B. League

Thirdy Ravena had another impressive showing this time in a losing effort when San-En Neophoenix fell 81-74 to Shimane Susanoo Magic on Sunday afternoon in Japan’s B. League at the Yonago Indusrial Gymnasium.

Ravena finished with 12 points and eight rebounds in 24 minutes, but the Neophoenix failed to capitalize on their narrow 83-82 win over the same Magic team the other night and fell 2-10 in Japan’s top division.

The former Ateneo star also found himself committing an unsportsmanlike foul contested in the closing seconds of the game, cutting off San-En’s attempt to complete his comeback from a double-digit deficit.

His numbers are impressive in two games, averaging 12.5 points on 10 of 24 shots with 5.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists.

He scored 13 points, two rebounds and two assists in Saturday’s debut, which came after Ravenna needed to undergo a two-week quarantine period as part of Japan’s health requirements.

Ravenna’s debut impressed Neophoenix coach Branislav Vicentic, who is happy to have the first B. League player to be signed under the league’s Asian player quota rule.

“I really feel like he can affect our game, in a positive way,” Vicentic said.