PHKobe Paras announced his arrival in a stunning fashion after leading Niigata Albirex BB in an 85-81 loss to Kyoto Hannaryz in the 2021 Japan B.League on Saturday at the City Hall Plaza A-re Nagaoka.
The second generation baller exploded for 25 points, four assists, and two s†éáls in almost 34 minutes of action though that was not enough to get the win in his maiden appearance.
The 24-year-old Paras scored 11 of Niigata's 19-point production in the opening quarter before they outscored Kyoto in the second period, 31-10, to establish a 50-41 halftime lead.
Kyoto, however, unloaded a 15-4 blitz to open the third canto before Niigata regained the lead again courtesy of four-straight markers by the 6-foot-6 Paras, 60-56.
Justin Harper scored the last eight points of Kyoto after that but Niigata managed to keep hold of the lead going into the fourth, 67-66.
Niigata then found itself in a 79-all game against Kyoto with four minutes left to play but David Simon and Kazuki Kosokawa combined for four-straight points, 79-84.
A basket by Niigata's Rosco Allen brought it to 81-84 with them still trailing. Paras then stole the leather from Harper that led to a three-point for Yuto Nohmi that could have tied the game.
Niigata will hope to bounce back on Sunday when it faces Kyoto once more at the 2:05 p.m. faceoff.
—JMB, GMA News