DWIGHT Ramos' mere arrival seemingly gave the Toyama Grouses a huge lift as they bounced back with an 89-76 win over the SunRockers Shibuya on Sunday in the Japan B.League at Toyama City Gymnasium.
The Filipino import, who is coming off a stint with Gilas Pilipinas in the 2023 Fiba World Cup Asian qualifiers, made his presence felt and supported his club from the sidelines as they split the two-game weekend series.
Brice Johnson showed the way for Toyama with an all-around effort of 23 points, 18 rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and two blocks to bounce back from its 91-78 loss a day prior.
Former TNT import Joshua Smith also imposed his will down low with a double-double of 21 points and 11 boards, while Kevin Hareyama got 17 points on 4-of-7 shooting from threes.
The Grouses were able to get their act together late, breaking away from a close 66-65 affair with 5:30 remaining thanks to a 20-3 late run to grab an 86-68 advantage with 1:14 left to play.
Dwight Ramos' Grouses score their 16th win in 38 games.
Toyama improved to a 16-22 record for the season, while sending Shibuya to a 21-16 card.
Josh Harrellson and Leo Vendrame topped the SunRockers with 17 points each in the defeat.
The Grouses return to action on Wednesday against Osaka Evessa at Ookini Arena Maishima.
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