Dwight Ramos faced off against Kai Sotto for the first time since the latter’s injury return, with Levanga Hokkaido emerging victorious over Koshigaya Alphas in B.LEAGUE action.
Dwight Ramos came out on top in a Filipino import showdown with Kai Sotto, scoring 18 points to lead Levanga Hokkaido past Koshigaya Alphas, 88–81, in Japan B.LEAGUE action on Saturday, Jan. 31.
Ramos added six rebounds and three assists, setting the tone for Hokkaido as he went head-to-head with his Gilas Pilipinas teammate in Sotto, who put up his strongest outing since returning from a year-long ACL injury.
Sotto anchored Koshigaya’s interior presence, posting a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds, while also dishing out five assists in 29 minutes of play.
Jahill Okafor provided support for Levanga with a game-high 20 points, while John Harrar added 11 as Hokkaido recorded a 13th consecutive victory at home.
Levanga now share the top spot in the Eastern Conference with defending champions Utsunomiya Brex, both sitting at an impressive 26–8.
Shun Matsuyama led the Alphas with 20 points, and Anthony Clemmons contributed 16 markers and five assists, but Koshigaya (12-22) fell for the second straight game after sweeping the Ibaraki Robots last week.
The two Gilas standouts are set to square off once more on Sunday, Feb. 1.
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.