Definitely finding their groove in Japan.
Japan is quickly becoming Kaiju’s playground.
Kai Sotto notches his first double-double in the Japan B.League as the Hiroshima Dragonflies pummeled the Ibaraki Robots on Saturday, 90-72.
The 7-foot-2 center, who led Hiroshima with 21 points and 12 rebounds, is fulfilling his promise of improving his game, specifically in the rebounding department.
In the matchup against Ibaraki, Sotto asserted his dominance in the paint, getting 7 rebounds from the offensive end while also anchoring the defense with 3 blocked shots. The 20-year-old also made 8 of his 12 shots for an outstanding 66% field goal clip.
Perhaps even more impressive is he carved that stat line in just 22 minutes.
Hiroshima has now improved to 30 wins and 11 losses and are now riding a two-game win streak.
Meanwhile, another Filipino took the spotlight on Saturday in the B.League. Carl Tamayo makes his first start as his Ryukyu Golden Kings defeat the Shinshu Brave Warriors, 81-66.
Former PBA import Allen Durham paced Ryukyu with 26 points. His co-import, Jack Cooley, scored 11 markers and grabbed 14 rebounds.
Tamayo, the team’s Asian import, contributed with a little bit of everything in 26 minutes of play. He finished with 9 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, and a block. He, however, struggled with free throws, shooting only 1-for-6 from the charity stripe.
The Golden Kings now have a 32-9 card to remain at no. 2 in the West District.