KAI Sotto notched his first win in Japan behind a monstrous efficiency as Hiroshima clobbered Kyoto within the Japan B. League, 102-95 late Wednesday night time on the Hiroshima Solar Plaza Corridor.
The 7-foot-3 Filipino wunderkind posted 20 factors, eight rebounds and one steal in 23 minutes because the beginning heart for the Dragonflies in a candy bounce again win after a foiled welcome to Mr. Sotto’s final recreation.
Mr. Sotto, 20, shot effectively from the sphere on nine-of-14 accuracy highlighted by a few thunderous dunks to paved the way in his breakthrough win in Japan after two years in Australia.
“I’m completely satisfied to be on this staff. I’m completely satisfied to get my first win (at dwelling) tonight,” stated Mr. Sotto.
The Gilas Pilipinas ace had 10 markers, two boards, a steal and three blocks in Hiroshima’s 86-78 loss to the Ryukyu Golden Kings that includes one other Filipino import in Carl Tamayo albeit he was benched final week.
This time round, Mr. Sotto confronted one other compatriot in veteran nationwide staff campaigner and ex-PBA famous person Matthew Wright, whose 26-point eruption went for naught.
Mr. Wright fired seven triples laced by eight assists, two rebounds and two steals as Kyoto Hannaryz dropped to 17th place with a paltry 16-24 report.
Mr. Sotto and Hiroshima firmed up maintain of fifth spot for a gradual playoff monitor at 29-11 with an opportunity to climb increased towards No. 19 Ibaraki Robots (15-25) on Saturday.
Kyoto, alternatively, is in for a tall order towards top-ranked Chiba Jets (36-4).
In the meantime, Tamayo lastly suited up as Ryukyu (31-9) bested the Ray Parks-less Nagoya Diamond Dolphins (27-13) with a detailed 79-74 win. — John Bryan Ulanday