Yokohama B-Corsairs’ Kai Sotto in the Japan B.League. –B.LEAGUE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Kai Sotto put on the finishing touches for Yokohama B-as the Corsairs escaped Thirdy Ravena and the San-En NeoPhoenix, 81-76, in the 2023-24 B.League season on Wednesday at Yokohama International Pool.
The 7-foot-3 Filipino center unleashed eight points in the fourth including his clutch hookshot that gave Yokohama a 78-76 lead with a minute remaining before Yuki Kawamura nailed a dagger trey to extend it to a five-point lead with 34 seconds left.
Sotto tallied his fifth double-double in his last six games with 23 points — on 11-of-14 shooting — and 10 rebounds to improve the B-Corsairs record to 19-23.
READ: Kai Sotto continues to shine in B.League return after Gilas stint
Ravena was limited to 10 points and five rebounds as San-En absorbed its fourth straight loss with a 34-8 record, dropping to the second seed.
Utsunomiya Brex claimed the top seed with a 35-7 record after dominating Dwight Ramosand Levanga Hokkaido, 101-79.
Ramos hardly made his presence felt with one point and four rebounds in 16 minutes of action as Levanga dropped to a 12-30 card.
READ: Kai Sotto bound to dominate Asia, believes Gilas coach Tim Cone
Shinshu Brave Warriors and RJ Abarrientos in the Japan B.League. –B.LEAGUE PHOTO
Meanwhile, RJ Abarrientos had 11 points and five assists but the Shinshu Brave Warriors (6-36) fell short to the Kawasaki Brave Thunders, 92-88.
Ray Parks Jr. scored nine points in Nagoya Diamond Dolphins’ 94-82 loss to Nagasaki Velca, who banked on Matt Bonds’ 27 points and 10 rebounds.
READ: Kai Sotto brimming with confidence heading into latest Gilas foray
Parks and the Diamond Dolphins remained second in the west despite dropping to a 28-14 record.
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Matthew Wright also finished with nine points but Kyoto Hannaryz (13-29) yielded to the Ryukyu Golden Kings, 106-80.