SAN-EN NeoPhoenix's late charge fell short as Shiga Lakestars swept the two-game series with an 81-77 clipping on Sunday in the 2020-21 B.League at Toyohashi City General Gymnasium.
Kyle Hunt and Stevan Jelovac tried to will the home team back from a 72-59 deficit down to just one, 74-73, with 4:38 remaining.
But Reio Maeda, Jonathan Octeus, and Masaya Karimata made timely hits as Shiga subdued San-En in the endgame.
Jordan Hamilton caught fire for the Lakestars with 26 points on 6-of-14 shooting from deep, alongside nine rebounds, three assists, and two steals in the win.
It was a gallant rally from the NeoPhoenix, which suffered their second straight loss to drop to a 9-30 record.
Jelovac paced San-En with 22 points and nine rebounds, while Hunt had a double-double of 21 points and 10 boards in the defeat.
Kazuya Tsuya also got 11 points, four rebounds, and two steals as the NeoPhoenix continued to miss the services of Filipino import Thirdy Ravena.
San-En will try to bounce back on Wednesday when it meets the Shimane Susanoo Magic at the same venue.
Maeda contributed 14 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals for Shiga, which rose to a 15-24 card.
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