Ray Parks Jr. led Osaka Evessa with 18 points in a thrilling win over perennial B.LEAGUE powerhouse Ryukyu Golden Kings.
Ray Parks Jr. delivered a clutch performance as the Osaka Evessa edged out the 2023 Japan B.LEAGUE champions, Ryukyu Golden Kings, with a thrilling 97-95 victory on Wednesday, Jan. 29.
Parks Jr. led all scorers for Osaka, finishing with 18 points, four rebounds, and two assists in a tightly-contested matchup.
His steady play on both ends of the floor helped Osaka hold off Ryukyu’s late-game push and secure an important win.
With the victory, Osaka moved above .500 with a 17-16 record, keeping their playoff hopes going. The team also secured a bounce-back win after falling to Parks’ old team, the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins last Sunday, Jan. 26.
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Meanwhile, Ryukyu, who entered the game as one of the top teams in the league, dropped to fourth place with a 24-9 slate. Nevertheless, the Golden Kings are still first in the Western Conference, with the Evessa running third.
Osaka will go for back-to-back wins on Saturday, Feb. 1 as the Evessa take on the league-leading San-en NeoPhoenix.