Gunma Crane Thunders protected home court with an 87-76 victory over Nagoya Diamond Dolphins in the B1 League on November 9, 2026. A balanced offensive effort and a strong interior presence allowed Gunma to lead for most of the evening and hold off Nagoya’s second-half push.

Match overview

Gunma started the 18:05 contest with energy, building a 24-20 lead after the first quarter and extending it to 45-38 by halftime. The Crane Thunders maintained control in the third, taking a 67-57 advantage into the final period. Nagoya made a run early in the fourth, but Gunma responded with a decisive 10-2 burst to secure the win.

• Quarter scores: Gunma 24-20, 21-18, 22-19, 20-19
• Half-time: Gunma 45-38
• End of third quarter: Gunma 67-57

Key moments

Nagoya cut the deficit to 69-65 with just over eight minutes remaining, threatening to turn the game into a tense finish. Gunma answered immediately, scoring 10 of the next 12 points to push the lead back to 79-67. The Diamond Dolphins never recovered, and Gunma closed the game at the free-throw line.

Tactical story

Gunma’s advantage came in the paint. The Crane Thunders outscored Nagoya 44-30 inside and grabbed 13 offensive rebounds, creating extra possessions and forcing the Diamond Dolphins into foul trouble. Gunma also attacked the rim consistently, earning 26 free-throw attempts and converting 20.

Nagoya’s offense relied heavily on perimeter shooting, but the Diamond Dolphins struggled from beyond the arc, finishing 7-of-29. That cold shooting allowed Gunma to pack the paint and contest drives. Defensively, Gunma rotated well and limited Nagoya’s second-chance opportunities, particularly in the fourth quarter.

Standout performers

Gunma’s import forward led the way with 23 points and 10 rebounds, dominating the interior and drawing fouls throughout. The point guard added 17 points and seven assists, controlling the pace and finding open shooters in transition. The bench contributed 24 points, providing a crucial spark. Nagoya’s leading scorer finished with 21 points, but the Diamond Dolphins lacked the interior balance to match Gunma’s physicality.

Season impact

The win boosted Gunma’s early-season standing in the B1 League table and reinforced their home-court strength. It also highlighted the team’s ability to win with defense and rebounding when outside shots are not falling. Nagoya will need to improve their three-point consistency and interior resistance. The head-to-head result gives Gunma an important edge in any future tiebreaker discussion.