Kiefer Ravena and the Shiga Lakestars made their Japan B.League comeback with a bang after fending off the Thirdy Ravena-less San-En NeoPhoenix, 104-100, Saturday, Feb. 25.
Kiefer, who sat out with his teammates for almost two months due to COVID-19, posted nine points, 10 assists, five rebounds, and two steals.
O’mara led Shiga with 37 points and 19 rebounds while Novar Gadson hammered 27 points, eight rebounds, and five assists.
Leading by four with less than a minute left, Shiga survived a late-game scare by San-En after Elias Harris fired a three-pointer to cut the deficit by one, 100-99.
But with the clock ticking, O'mara and Gadson settled it once and for all after sinking back-to-back free throws to ice the game.
The Lakestars improved to a 10-17 record while the NeoPhoenix, still playing sans Thirdy due to his commitment with Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Asian Cup Qulifiers, remained at rock bottom with a 4-28 card.
Harris paced the NeoPhoenix with 29 points while Robert Carter chipped in 14 points and nine rebounds.
Shiga and San-En will duel once more Sunday, Feb. 27.