Gunma downs Hokkaido in B.LEAGUE Manila Games opener

Gunma Crane Thunders opened the historic B.LEAGUE Manila Games 2026 on a winning note, defeating Levanga Hokkaido, 98–81, before an enthusiastic crowd Wednesday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The victory gave Gunma a 1-0 lead in the two-game Manila series, with Game 2 scheduled Thursday at the same venue, tipping off at 7 p.m.

The Manila Games mark the first time that the Japan Professional Basketball League (B.LEAGUE) has staged official games outside Japan, bringing two of its top teams to the Philippines as part of its growing international reach.

Adding to the significance of the event for Filipino fans was the presence of two players with strong Philippine connections—Levanga Hokkaido’s Dwight Ramos and Gunma’s Filipino-American standout AJ Edu.

Despite Hokkaido’s setback, Ramos thanked the Filipino fans for their warm reception and called the Manila experience memorable.

“Thanks for coming, we really appreciate it. Great game. Congrats to Gunma, we just have to keep learning from this,” Ramos said after the game.

“Thank you guys for making this a memorable experience. We hope to see you guys again tomorrow!”

Edu, meanwhile, expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to play before Filipino basketball fans at the iconic Mall of Asia Arena.

“First of all, thank you all for coming tonight. It's always special to play at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Thank you again, we really appreciate it,” Edu said.

The two-game Manila series is being organized by the B.LEAGUE in cooperation with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), with the support of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.

The event also forms part of the continuing basketball and people-to-people ties between Japan and the Philippines, showcasing the sport’s growing role in strengthening relations between the two countries.

The Manila Games feature Levanga Hokkaido and Gunma Crane Thunders, with both teams seeing the Philippine stop as an opportunity to expand their international exposure and connect with the country’s passionate basketball community.