Kobe Paras scores 18 but Levanga Hokkaido completes comeback vs Niigata

Levanga Hokkaido pulled off a come-from-behind win over Kobe Paras and the Niigata Albirex BB, 72-69, in the Japan Professional Basketball League (B.League).

Niigata led by as much as 18 points early in the second period, 27-9, before Hokkaido made a 25-point romp against 15 points for Paras' team and ended the first half with just a five point deficit, 34-39.

Niigata had a slim lead, 65-66, at the 2:44 mark of the fourth period, before a three-pointer from Demon Brooks and a Shawn Long dunk gave Hokkaido a 4-pt lead. Rosco Allen drilled a triple in an attempt to take back the lead, but a jumper from Brooks sealed the deal for Hokkaido.

Paras scored 18 points on three-of-seven treys, on top of four rebounds in the losing affair. Allen tallied 16 points while Tshilidzi Nepaue registered 13 markers and 11 boards.

Long led Hokkaido and stuffed the stat sheet with 22 points, seven rebounds, and three steals.

Niigata, now with a 2-4 card, will play the SeaHorses Mikawa on Friday.

—JMB, GMA News