UNEVENTFUL was the season opener for San-En NeoPhoenix as the undermanned crew bowed to Chiba Jets, 83-65, Saturday in the 2020-21 B.League Saturday at Hamamatsu Arena.
Without Asian import Thirdy Ravena and a few other reinforcements, San-En suffered from a flat start as it was outscored by Chiba, 20-8 in the first quarter which proved to be a sign of things to come for the rest of the game.
Takanobu Nishikawa was the lone bright spot for the NeoPhoenix as he led the charge with 21 points, four rebounds, and four assists in the defeat.
Tatsuya Suzuki and American import Andre Murray both had 10 in the losing effort for the home team.
Ravena's availability for San-En remains in limbo as he waits for his Japanese visa.
Meanwhile, Serbian imports Stevan Jelovac and Nenad Miljenovic just arrived on Saturday, together with head coach Branislav Vicentic but all will have to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine before they can join the team.
Without them, the Jets put on a show, with Josh Duncan leading the way with 23 points, nine rebounds, and three assists, while Gavin Edwards providing support with his 19 points and seven boards.
The two teams lock horns anew on Sunday.
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