BOBBY Ray Parks and the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins are heading to the 2023-24 Japan B.League playoffs once again as they clinched their spot in the postseason on Saturday.
Nagoya protected home court with a two-game sweep of Shimane Susanoo Magic, first scoring the 100-85 victory on Friday before following up with a 93-63 rout on Saturday, both at Dolphins Arena.
Parks was solid in both wins, dropping 12 points and four rebounds in the first win before collecting 11 points and six boards in the second.
That hiked the Diamond Dolphins’ record to 37-19, still in the running for home-court advantage in the playoffs.
Meanwhile, Matthew Wright made sure that he still had his moments despite Kyoto Hannaryz missing out on the playoffs as he unfurled a season-best 37 points, including the game-winner in their 88-87 stunner of Saga Ballooners at Shimazu Arena Kyoto.
The Fil-Canadian was just scorching in the game, shooting 8-of-13 from distance while also scoring the final nine for Kyoto, while also nabbing five assists and two boards to help the Hannaryz rise to 16-39.
In the day’s other games, Yokohama B-Corsairs fell to Fighting Eagles Nagoya, 96-67, at Preferential Security Hiratsuka Gymnasium with Kai Sotto grabbing seven points, six rebounds, and one block. They fell to 22-33.
Thirdy Ravena only had two points, two rebounds, and three assists in San-En NeoPhoenix’s 92-87 loss to SunRockers Shibuya at Aoyama Gakuin Memorial Hall. That defeat saw San-En’s win streak halted at seven as the Central Conference Champions dropped to 44-11.
RJ Abarrientos did not see action in Shinshu Brave Warriors’ rare win as they took down Toyama Grouses, 71-62, at Toyama City Gymnasium. It’s one of those rare positives for a tough season for Shinshu after losing 19 of its last 20 games as the Brave Warriors remain near the cellar at 8-47.
Over in B2, Shiga Lakes sustained their eight-game win streak with an 89-72 conquest over Koshigaya Alphas at Koshigaya City Gymnasium. Kiefer Ravena pumped 15 points, three rebounds, and three assists in their penultimate game of the eliminations to hike the Lakes’ card to 44-15.
Yamagata Wyverns, meanwhile, succumbed to Fukushima Firebonds, 88-69, at Kokichi Tsuburaya Memorial Arena. Roosevelt Adams did not see action for the playoff-bound Wyverns as they slipped to 30-29 with a game left in the season.
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