Gunma beats Levanga in overtime at Manila Games 2026

The game between Gunma Crane Thunders and Levanga Hokkaido in the 2026 B.League Manila Games at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines, was a thriller. Gunma won 101-91 in overtime, thanks to a stellar performance by guard Yuma Fujii. Both teams started at a high tempo. Stanley Johnson, the former NBA player now with Levanga, was the standout in regulation, scoring 17 points and leading the offense. However, foul trouble struck. Under FIBA rules, players are disqualified after five personal fouls. At the end of the fourth quarter, Johnson reached that limit and had to leave the game. Simultaneously, Gunma's leading scorer also fouled out, creating a rare situation: both teams lost their primary scorers for the crucial period. After 48 minutes, the game was tied, forcing overtime. This was when Yuma Fujii shone. Fujii, who made 5 of 10 three-pointers (50% accuracy), was Gunma's most efficient perimeter shooter. In the 5-minute overtime, he scored 7 points, including the go-ahead basket with 39.9 seconds left. The ball left Fujii's hands and found the net perfectly, sending the Manila crowd into a frenzy. Without Stanley Johnson, Levanga lost all offensive direction. No other player could step up. In contrast, Gunma maintained a steady attack with consistent outside shooting. Not only Fujii, but also Gunma's bench players performed well in overtime, showcasing superior depth. As a result, Gunma finished overtime with a 10-point margin, securing a convincing victory. From a tactical perspective, this game exposed a chronic weakness of Levanga Hokkaido: over-reliance on one star. When Johnson fouled out, the entire offensive machine stalled. Conversely, Gunma showed adaptive flexibility. They played with floor spacing, maximizing three-point opportunities – a popular trend in the B.League today. With Fujii alone hitting 10 three-pointers, it was clear Gunma does not depend on a single player. Another factor was the Manila Games backdrop. This is a B.League initiative to expand its brand beyond Japan, particularly to the Philippines – a country with a strong basketball culture. Hosting a game at the Mall of Asia Arena, with its large capacity and passionate fans, is a strategic move. Although the two teams are not top-tier, the presence of former NBA players like Johnson and Fujii's explosive performance created a real basketball feast for Filipino fans. After the game, many analysts noted that Levanga will need to improve their stars' foul management. Stanley Johnson, at age 28 and in his prime, is the team's biggest asset, but if he frequently sits out due to fouls, his value diminishes. On the other side, Yuma Fujii is emerging as a formidable three-point shooter. With 5/10 from deep in this game, he deserves close monitoring for the rest of the season. In conclusion, this game was not just about win or loss; it provided important signals. It showed the impact of FIBA rules on play, especially the 5-foul rule. It also confirmed that in modern basketball, roster depth and three-point shooting are key to overcoming intense situations. Above all, it served as a vivid advertisement for the B.League's appeal when it knows how to bring Japanese basketball to the world. Gunma Crane Thunders earned a deserved victory in Manila. The road ahead is long, but with Fujii's form and team spirit like this, they can dream of a higher standings position. As for Levanga, it's time to sit down and reassess their over-reliance on one star and find alternative offensive solutions. Basketball is a team sport, and the Manila game reminded them of that in a bitter way.