San-En slips at Shibuya after late collapse

James McAdoo's buzzer beater sealed the Sun Rockers' late comeback against the NeoPhoenix. NBAE (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--San-En's late meltdown against Shibuya on Saturday night is another reminder to not assume a game is over until the final buzzer

The NeoPhoenix began 2021 with arguably the biggest endgame collapse so far in the B.League season, dropping a heartbreaking 80-81 decision against the Sun Rockers at the Aoyama Gakuin Memorial Hall in Shibuya despite holding a huge lead late into the game.

San-En mounted an early fourth quarter comeback to open an 80-69 lead with two and a half minutes left, but a series of turnovers gave Shibuya the opportunity to crawl back and cut the lead down to one, 80-79, with 26 seconds left.

Hayato Kawashima tried to keep things in order, but he was slapped with an offensive foul, giving the Sun Rockers a chance to win it.

The NeoPhoenix appeared to be holding on to a potential upset after their tough defense led to a wild layup attempt from Ryan Kelly, but James McAdoo won it for the Rockers after getting the offensive rebound and slotted in the putback with 0.2 second left.

San-En failed to launch an attempt in the next play.

McAdoo, a two-time NBA champion with Golden State's during the peak of its dynasty in the mid-2010's and the nephew of NBA legend Bob, finished with 20 points on 7-of-9 field goals, seven rebounds, two assists, one block, and one steal for Shibuya, which moved up to 18-8, staying in third place in the Eastern Conference.

Kelly added 13 points, four rebounds, and one steal.

Stevan Jelovac paced San-En, which fell to 5-21, with 19 points, 16 rebounds, two rebounds, and one steal.

Thirdy Ravena chipped in six points, four rebounds, one steal, and one block before leaving the game in the third quarter with a hand injury, making him questionable for their rematch on Sunday.

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