Kiefer Ravena and the Shiga Lakestars return to action after a long break when they host Dwight Ramos and the Toyama Grouses as part of a busy midweek schedule in Japan’s B.League.
The Lakestars play the Grouses before their supporters at the Ukaruchan Arena in Otsu, their first game since Jan. 3 when they fell to Akita Northern Happinets.
Shiga saw its next four games postponed to COVID-19 protocols, including a two-game set with Ravena’s brother Thirdy and the San-En Neophoenix that was supposed to be held over the weekend.
Kiefer will try to play a key role as Shiga looks to improve on its 9-17 record for ninth place in the West. He is averaging 11.9 points, 1.6 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.5 steals in 26 games this season.
Ramos, posting 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists, is also aiming to improve Toyama’s 11-19 record, eighth in the West.
Toyama beat Shiga, 107-102, during their previous meeting last Dec. 11, also in Otsu.
Ray Parks Jr. and the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins face a big test in host Alvark Tokyo in one of the other games on the slate.
Nagoya is currently second in the West at 20-8 and a win over Alvark, third in the East at 21-7, will give the team a big boost moving forward.
Kobe Paras and Niigata Albirex attempt to snap a 25-game skid against Levanga Hokkaido, Matthew Aquino hopes to see action in the Shinshu Brave Warriors’ match with the Ryukyu Golden Kings while Javi Gomez de Liano looks to play as well for the Ibaraki Robots opposite the Gunma Crane Thunders.
All matches will start at 6 p.m. Philippine time.