The Osaka Evessa and Shimane Susanoo Magic split the first two head-to-head meetings this season before meeting twice again this upcoming Japan B.League weekend.
Ray Parks Jr. and the Osaka Evessa are out to regain their footing in the 2024-25 Japan B.League play, figuring in a weekend double with East no. 2 and playoff contender Shimane Susanoo Magic.
The lefty hooper logged 14 points, six rebounds, and five assists in a deflating 99-96 home heartbreak to Kiefer Ravena and the Yokohama B-Corsairs in their last outing.
That game saw Osaka led by as many as 11 points, only to give up the final four points of regulation that completed Yokohama’s gutsy comeback.
Before that, Parks Jr. scored a combined 22 markers as Osaka earned a split over Matthew Wright and the Kawasaki Brave Thunders.
Despite a 23-22 record, Evessa are still fighting for the two wildcard playoff berths at stake just behind the Chiba Jets (30-15) and the SeaHorses Mikawa (30-15).
Meanwhile, Shimane are on a tough stretch as of late, dropping three of their last four games but are still sitting second at 28-17 in the East trailing only to the 2023 champions Ryukyu Golden Kings (32-13).
(With reports from Pao Ambat)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]