Stanley Johnson Hits Dramatic Buzzer-Beater as Gunma Defeats Altiri Chiba 76–74 in B.PREMIER Opener

Gunma Crane Thunders opened their 2026–27 B.LEAGUE PREMIER campaign with a dramatic 76–74 victory over Altiri Chiba at Open House Arena Ota.

The game was decided in spectacular fashion by Stanley Johnson, who knocked down a three-pointer at the buzzer after Gunma had briefly lost the lead in the final seconds.

Altiri Chiba had completed a furious fourth-quarter comeback and moved ahead 74–73 with only seconds remaining, but Johnson delivered the final answer.

His game-winning shot gave Gunma a memorable victory in their first B.PREMIER game.

Gunma Builds an Early Advantage

Gunma began the game with Takuto Nakamura, Kazuki Hosokawa, Trey Jones, Kerry Blackshear Jr. and A.J. Edu in the starting lineup.

Altiri Chiba countered with Kei Sugimoto, D.J. Newbill, Reoto Watanabe, Alex Davis and Derek Pardon.

The opening quarter was closely contested, but Gunma managed to establish a slight advantage and ended the first period ahead 23–21.

Gunma then strengthened its control in the second quarter, finding rhythm on both ends of the floor and extending the lead to 42–34 by halftime.

The home side continued to dictate the pace after the break.

By the end of the third quarter, Gunma had built a 62–48 advantage, putting itself in a strong position heading into the final 10 minutes.

Altiri Chiba Launches a Fourth-Quarter Comeback

The game changed dramatically in the fourth quarter.

Altiri Chiba increased its defensive pressure and began cutting into Gunma’s lead, with Kotetsu Kurokawa and D.J. Newbill helping drive the comeback.

While Gunma was held to just 14 points in the final quarter, Altiri Chiba scored 26.

With only four seconds remaining, Altiri Chiba completed the comeback and moved ahead 74–73 after a late finish at the rim.

After leading by 14 points at the end of the third quarter, Gunma suddenly found itself trailing with almost no time left.

Johnson Delivers at the Buzzer

Gunma had one final possession.

With just seconds remaining, the ball found Stanley Johnson beyond the three-point line.

Johnson released the shot just before the final horn.

It dropped through the basket.

The buzzer sounded.

Gunma had won, 76–74.

The dramatic finish sent Open House Arena Ota into celebration and gave Johnson one of the most memorable possible starts to his B.PREMIER career with Gunma.

Johnson Leads Gunma, Kurokawa Shines for Chiba

Johnson finished with 16 points, including the game-winning three-pointer.

Kazuki Hosokawa added 12 points while knocking down four three-pointers, and Yuma Fujii contributed 10 points for Gunma.

For Altiri Chiba, Kotetsu Kurokawa led the team with 21 points.

D.J. Newbill recorded 18 points and 12 rebounds, completing a double-double while playing a major role in Altiri Chiba’s second-half comeback.

Altiri Chiba finished with a higher field-goal percentage and also held an advantage on the boards, but Gunma’s perimeter shooting proved decisive.

Gunma shot 40 percent from three-point range, and the final three-pointer of the night became the shot that decided the game.

A Dramatic Beginning to a New Era

For both teams, the matchup represented the beginning of a new chapter in B.LEAGUE PREMIER.

Gunma appeared to have the game under control after three quarters.

Altiri Chiba responded with a remarkable fourth-quarter rally.

And just when the visitors seemed to have completed the comeback, Johnson delivered one final twist.

A 14-point lead disappeared.

The lead changed hands in the final seconds.

Then a buzzer-beater decided everything.

It was a dramatic introduction to the new B.PREMIER era — and a memorable opening-night victory for Gunma Crane Thunders.

Final Score

Gunma Crane Thunders 76–74 Altiri Chiba

Gunma | 23 | 19 | 20 | 14 | 76
Altiri Chiba | 21 | 13 | 14 | 26 | 74

Date: September 24, 2026
Venue: Open House Arena Ota
Competition: 2026–27 B.LEAGUE PREMIER Regular Season