B. LEAGUE preseason series held in Manila featuring Japan-based Gilas stars

Japan’s professional basketball competition, the B. LEAGUE, held a landmark two-game preseason series at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Philippines. The event, which coincides with the 10th anniversary of the B. LEAGUE and the 70th anniversary of normalized diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines, featured a matchup between Levanga Hokkaido and the Gunma Crane Thunders.

In the first game of the series, the Gunma Crane Thunders defeated Levanga Hokkaido with a score of 98-81. Stanley Johnson led Gunma with 23 points. The matchup featured Gilas Pilipinas standouts Dwight Ramos of Levanga Hokkaido and AJ Edu of the Gunma Crane Thunders. Following the victory, Gunma coach Kyle Milling stated the team is aiming for a sweep while preparing for a response from Hokkaido in the second game.