Kiefer takes Round 1 of Ravena Derby as Shiga rallies to beat Thirdy, San-En

Ovie Soko led the way for Shiga as Kiefer Ravena gets a win in his B.League debut right at the expense of his younger brother Thirdy and San-En.

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—The first showdown between the Ravena Brothers went to Kiefer.

But at first, everyone thought Thirdy would take it.

Kiefer prevailed over Thirdy in huge comeback fashion as Shiga rallied in the fourth quarter to stun San-En at home, 93-83, in their B.League season debut at the Ukaruchan Arena in Otsu, Japan on Saturday night.

The Lakestars climbed back from the abyss and even pulled away late to the delight of their home fans, who filled the arena in anticipation of the early showdown between the two sons of PBA legend Bong Ravena.

The NeoPhoenix struck first, quickly opening a double-digit lead that would be stretched to as high as 22 points, 61-39, with 7:05 left in the third quarter.

Shiga responded with an 11-0 run that cut San-En's lead to half, although the latter would maintain the lead heading to the fourth quarter especially after going on a 6-0 run late in the third to bring the lead back to double digits after the former eventually trimmed the lead down to seven.

The Lakestars, however, began the final frame with a 19-0 run to take an 82-74 lead with 3:49 left.

Robert Carter somehow stopped the bleeding for the NeoPhoenix with a split from the foul line, but the Lakestars continued their breakaway and never looked back, eventually outscoring the NeoPhoenix, 30-9, in the entire fourth quarter.

Ovie Soko led Shiga with 18 points, 11 rebounds, one assist, one block, and three steals.

Sean O'Mara added 17 markers on 8-of-10 shooting, nine boards, three dimes, and one rejection.

Kiefer Ravena made 11 points, three rebounds, eight assists, and three steals without a turnover in his B.League debut.

Elias Harris put up 19 markers on 8-for-11 field goals, nine caroms, one block, and one swipe for San-En.

Thirdy Ravena also had 11 points, but he was 4-for-14 from the field, although he too grabbed five rebounds, one assist, and two interceptions.

Both teams will meet again at 1:35 p.m. Sunday.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno