By REYNALD MAGALLON
Kobe Paras delivered in the final moments of the game as Niigata Albirex BB escaped Kyoto Hannaryz, 76-75, to take his first victory in Japan B. League on Sunday, Oct. 3.
Paras, who exploded for 25 points on his debut against Kyoto on Saturday, struggled this time around and shot just 5-of-14 from the field to finish with 10 points.
The University of the Philippines standout, however, delivered when it mattered most as he helped Albirex overcome a five-point deficit, 73-68, with three minutes left in the game.
Paras first nailed a jumper to cut the lead down three, 73-70, before Kyoto import David Simon retaliated with a dunk on the other end. Paras answered back with a drive to keep Niigata within striking distance, 75-72, with 1:26 to go.
Kyoto then came up dry on its next offensive possession which allowed Niigata import Tshilidzi Napawe and Japanese guard Yuto Nohmi to score four straight points and take the lead with only three second left in the game.
Nohmi led Niigita with 16 points while Rosco Allen filled the stat sheet with 16 points, six assists and four rebounds.
Simon led Kyoto with 21 points, eight rebounds and five asissts while guard Kazuki Hosokawa added 15 markers build by three three -pointers.
Meanwhile, Nagoya Diamond Dolphins still missed the services of Asian import Ray Parks Jr. due to muscle strain as it fell to SR-Shibuya 80-77 for a 0-2 start to its B. League campaign.
Javi Gomez de Llano’s Ibaraki Robots suffered an 83-57 drubbing at the hands of Akita Northern Happinets. de Llano, who is still under the leagues’ health protocols, also missed his second straight game.