Ravena siblings collide as Japan B. League tips off on Tap Go

MANILA, Philippines – For the first time, brothers Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena will play against each other, and it’s in international play as the former’s Shiga Lakestars take on the latter’s San-En NeoPhoenix in the Japan B. League.

And Filipino sports fans will get to watch not only the brothers — who played briefly together with the Ateneo Blue Eagles — but also other young Filipino cage stars through Tap Digital Media Ventures that will air B. League games over television and digital platforms exclusively in the Philippines for 2021-22 Season.

TapDMV will broadcast 51 games, including the season opener on September 30, Ryukyu Golden Kings vs Alvark Tokyo at Okinawa Arena, and the games between the teams where Filipino players play. The games will be aired mainly on “TAP Sports”, “Tap Go” and their social media platforms.

“I am looking forward to playing against my brother and getting that first win for the Shiga Lakestars,” Kiefer told Philstar.com.

“I am doing well here in Japan in the city of Otsu in the prefecture of Shiga,” added Kiefer. “The transition is easy and it’s a cool, and fun place to be. The people are very polite people — kahit sino ma meet mo.”

As for his new team, Ravena described the Lakestars as “a young team full of promise.”

“You can watch out for Shotaro Hayashi, Reon Shibuta, Teppeo Kashiwagura, our team captain, and others,” he pointed out as teammates to watch. 

“I am excited to be a part of a professional team that represents the city of Shiga. Hopefully, we can get a win against my brother’s team,” summed up Kiefer.

For his part, Thirdy also expressed excitement about the match: “It is our first official match against each other. And we’re also representing the country.”

The Shiga Lakestars and the San-En NeoPhoenix clash on Saturday, October 2, at 4:05 p.m. and can be viewed on Tap Go. For information on how to subscribe to Tap Go’s television and digital platforms, look for details on their Facebook page or through the Tap Go application that is available on all devices.