Thirdy Ravena’s San-En climbed to the top of the Japan B.League standings, while Dwight Ramos delivered a season-high performance in Hokkaido’s loss against separate foes on Wednesday, Jan. 31. 

The Filipino shooting guard and younger Ravena in the Japanese league helped the NeoPhoenix to a 75-62 away victory against RJ Abarrientos’ Shinshu Brave Warriors to ride on the crest of a five-game winning streak as they overtook the Alvark Tokyo at the top of the overall standings with a 30-4 win-loss tally.

Ravena registered seven points, seven rebounds and four assists in the victory that saw Abarrientos go blank on the field on a dismal 0-of-7 shooting.

With the NeoPhoenix looking at a potential championship run, Ravena could become the second Filipino import to win the Japanese league title which former B.League import Carl Tamayo achieved in only his first pro stint with the Ryukyu Golden Kings last season before ultimately requesting his release last month from the team to explore career his options. 

Meanwhile, Gilas Pilipinas reinforcement Ramos dropped a season-high 22 points in Levanga’s 94-82 loss at home against the visiting Gunma Thunders. 

Ramos, who was called up to the small and intact 12-man national team pool by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas for the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, finished with an efficient 6-of-9 inside shooting that went with four rebounds and seven assists. 

Coincidentally, the 25-year-old carried out his career-high 26 points in another Hokkaido encounter against Gunma last season. 

The Filipino import and Hokkaido, though, continue to struggle with an overall 10-24 record. 

Other B.League imports seeing action in the FIBA tournament are the injured AJ Edu and Kai Sotto, who will be joining Scottie Thompson, June Mar Fajardo, Jamie Malonzo, Chris Newsome, Calvin Oftana, CJ Perez, and collegiate star Kevin Quiambao.