Gunma braces for Levanga response in B.League Manila rematch

AJ Edu’s Gunma Crane Thunders during a game vs Dwight Ramos and Levanga Hokkaido in the Japan B.League Manila preseason game at Mall of Asia Arena. –B.LEAGUE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Gunma Crane Thunders hope to repeat their strong performance against Levanga Hokkaido in the second game of the Japan B.League’s Manila preseason series.

After dominating Levanga, 98-81, at Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday night, Gunma coach Kyle Milling said the Crane Thunders are aiming for a sweep but brace for a response.

READ: AJ Edu, Gunma cruise past Dwight Ramos, Levanga in B.League Manila

“In [the] B.League, we play many back to backs. We’re used to it. We know Hokkaido will react from today,” said Milling. “Tomorrow, we want to come back and win that rebound battle and find consistency.”

AJ Edu, who was limited to three points, is also looking to bounce back from a quiet offensive outing, expecting Levanga to respond after the lopsided loss.

“You have to put the game away today and focus on tomorrow. Naturally, we know Levanga want to respond so we just have to be prepared,” Edu said after also grabbing seven rebounds and four assists.

READ: Gilas stars AJ Edu, Dwight Ramos put friendship aside in B.League

“We have to execute like we did today.”

Stanley Johnson led Gunma with a game-high 23 points alongside five rebounds and three assists.