Dwight Ramos and the Toyama Grouses routed Thirdy Ravena’s San-En Neophoenix, 92-77, in their Japan B.League clash at the Toyama City Gymnasium on Saturday, Nov 13.
The Grouses banked on a huge third quarter onslaught to send the Neophoenix to their fifth straight defeat while also recording their first back-to-back wins in the tournament.
Ramos was solid in his first battle against Ravena, scattering 15 points on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting from the field. Ravena also had his fair share of the spotlight with a 13-point showing although he struggled from the field on a 5-of-13 clip.
It was the frontcourt duo of Joshua Smith and Julian Mavunga who did most of the damage for Toyama, as the two world imports exploded for 21 and 22 points, respectively.
Mavunga and Smith took their turns in the second half to break the game wide open after a tight 39-40 tally in the first half. Mavunga spearheaded the blistering third frame for the Grouses, scoring eight of his total in Toyama’s 32-14 third quarter domination.
Smith followed suit in the final frame as he unloaded eight of his output in the payoff period to take the fight out of the Neophoenix.
Robert Carter paced San-En with 16 markers.
Toyama improved to 3-10 win-loss record while San-En dropped to 3-10 in the West District standings.
The Grousers and the Neophoenix will meet again on Sunday at 1:05PM