By REYNALD MAGALLON
San Miguel Beer star Jericho Cruz caught fire from deep and spearheaded Guam to first-ever victory in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup after taking down Syria, 82-73, at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia early Saturday, Aug.9.
Cruz conspired with Tai Wesley as Guam unloaded a pivotal 10-2 run in the fourth quarter to turn a once precarious three-point lead into a double-digit spread enough to nab their first win in their first-ever participation of the continental tiff.
Fresh off winning the Finals MVP award when San Miguel stopped TNT’s Grand Slam bid in the PBA Governor’s Cup, Cruz stamped his class, firing 21 points built on five triples – the last of which gave Guam an 82-69 lead with two minutes left.
“Like coach said, this will go down to the history of Guam,” said Cruz during the post-game press conference.
“But during the game it was a hard-fought one for us. They’re playing really well. They are a team. Our team was like we just had one practice together. But the chemistry that we had playing together, it all boils down to an end game like that,” he added.
“So I’m just blessed and grateful that we are here.”
Wesley also had 21 points to go with his 10 rebounds and seven assists.
With the win, Guam is almost assured of making it to the qualification round for the remaining quarterfinal seats. It will take on Japan, which just got upset by a young Iran team, 78-70.
The game Akatsuki Five will determine Guam’s placing in Group B as well as its opponent for the crossover qualification against either Lebanon or Syria in Group A.
