Gunma cruised past Hokkaido, 98-81, in a wire-to-wire victory on the opening day of the B.League Manila Games 2026 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.
The game marked the B.League’s first-ever overseas game in league history and coincided with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan.
The Crane Thunders broke away midway through the opening quarter, with Yumi Fuji leading the charge as Gunma closed the period with a 10-point advantage, 29-19.
Despite Hokkaido guard Keisei Tominaga pouring in 19 points in the first half, Gunma continued to pull away, taking a 54-40 lead into halftime.
Gunma remained hot from beyond the arc in the second half, while Hokkaido struggled to find its rhythm from deep. Stanley Johnson then took over late in the third quarter, scoring eight straight points as the Crane Thunders stretched their advantage to 21.
Firmly in control, Gunma coasted through the final quarter to secure the 98-81 victory.
Philippine national team mainstay Dwight Ramos scored 13 points for Hokkaido in the loss, while fellow Gilas Pilipinas standout A.J. Edu was limited to three points for Gunma.
The two-day preseason showcase concludes Thursday, with both teams set to face each other again at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City at 7:00 p.m.
