The rematch between the Ravena brothers will have to wait for another time after Japan’s B.League postponed this weekend’s two-game series between the Shiga Lakestars and San-En Neophoenix due to COVID-19.
Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena and their teams were supposed to meet on Jan. 22 and 23 at the Hamamatsu Arena in Shizouka, but several players from the Neopheoenix tested positive which prompted the league to put on hold the two games.
“Three players belonging to the San-En Neophoenix received a positive test for the new coronavirus infection, and 11 other players were among the close contacts,” the B.League said Tuesday, Jan. 18.
“Therefore, the match requirements stipulated in the B.League match implementation guidelines could not be met,” the league added.
The twin matches were the latest to be postponed due to the COVID-19 surge that is hitting Japan. Several league games along with the midseason All-Star Game in Okinawa were called off in the past weeks.
The Ravenas split their two meetings when the B.League opened its season in early-October held at Shiga’s home floor in Otsu.
Kiefer had 11 points, three rebounds, eight assists and three steals as the Lakestars rallied to beat Thirdy and the Neophoenix, 93-83, on Oct. 2.
Thirdy exacted revenge on his older brother the following day, posting 21 points, seven rebounds and five assists in San-En’s 101-96 victory.