Thirdy's San-En returns to action; Parks, Nagoya face Utsunomiya


Photo from B.League

Thirdy Ravena and the San-En Neophoenix are scheduled to return from a long layoff caused by COVID-19 this weekend when they visit the lowly Kyoto Hannaryz in Japan’s B.League.

The Neophoenix, with Ravena hoping to play a key role, face the Hannaryz at 5:05 p.m. Manila time Saturday before capping off their two-game set the following day at 1:05 p.m.

San-En has not played in 26 days after several of its games were postponed due to some members of the team testing positive for the coronavirus.

A pair of games against older brother Kiefer and the Shiga Lakestars were called off due to the same concern.

Kiefer and the Lakestars, whose match against Dwight Ramos and the Toyama Grouses last Wednesday was postponed, will again be out of action this weekend after a series with the Gunma Crane Thunders was put on hold due to COVID issues.

Ray Parks Jr. and the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins hope to continue their impressive form against the Utsunomiya Brex.

Nagoya holds a 21-8 record after winning 11 of its past 12 outings, including an upset of Alvark Tokyo.

Kobe Paras and Niigata Albirex try to end a 26-game losing streak against the Ibaraki Robots, Ramos and the Grouses face the Hiroshima Dragonflies while Matthew Aquino hopes to see action for the Shinshu Brave Warriors opposite the Kawasaki Brave Thunders.

In the second division, rarely-used Kemark Carino and the Aomori Wat’s play the Sendai 89ers in a two-game weekend meeting.