Kiefer Ravena, Shiga Lakes reach B2 Finals, earn B1 promotion

Kiefer Ravena and the Shiga Lakes are set to return to the league's top division after routing Yamagata, 97-74, to sweep their best-of-three semifinals series on Sunday in the Japan B.League's B2 division at the Shiga Daihatsu Arena.

With the victory, the Lakes not only clinched a berth for the B2 final round, but also earned a promotion ticket to the B1 division for the 2024-2025 season.

Ravena was a vital cog in the hard-earned victory, pouring in 13 points, two rebounds, four assists, four steals, and one block to help the franchise return to the top flight after they were relegated to B2 for ending last season with just 14 wins to finish at 23rd place.

Ravena's solid outing was a big follow-up from his 22-point showing in their 91-86 Game 1 victory last Saturday, where the Filipino import also had seven dimes, two boards, and three swats.

Yamagata also features a Filipino reinforcement in Roosevelt Adams, who left it all on the floor, churning out 17 points, six rebounds, and one steal.

Meanwhile, in the B1, the clubs of Pinoy imports Ray Parks and Thirdy Ravena had contrasting results in the playoffs round.

Parks' Nagoya defeated Mikawa in their quarterfinals showdown, 84-75, to advance to the semifinals round while Thirdy's San-en faltered to Hiroshima in the quarterfinals as well, 69-66, to end their run.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News