The Gunma Crane Thunders recorded a loss in the first regular-season game in franchise history on Sunday, but coach Tadashi Hayashi's club proved to be a worthy challenger against the Toyama Grouses in the teams' bj-league season opener.
Toyama topped visiting Gunma 96-90.
The Crane Thunders trailed 53-42 at halftime, but outscored the Grouses 29-17 in the third quarter to take a one-point lead into the final period.