Thirdy Ravena's San-en NeoPhoenix picked up their third straight win at home, 85-81, over Allen Durham-led Niigata Albirex BB on Saturday, December 19 at the Toyohashi City General Gymnasium.
"We were working on our game. We’re playing better and better," said NeoPhoenix coach Branislav Vićentić, who admitted that the team had a slow start due to a shorthanded lineup caused by the pandemic and injuries. San-en's American Jamaican import Kyle Hunt led the team with a double-double of 17 points and 13 boards, while Stevan Jelovac was vital in sustaining the lead with 13 points and 11 rebounds.San-en only felt Niigata's threat when Jason Washburn led a massive 14-2 run to start the final frame and take a one-point lead, 69-68.
Washburn drained a game-high of 21 points, while Durham followed with 14 points for Niigata, which dropped to a 6-16 card in the standings.