Guam’s Jericho Cruz in the Fiba Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers. –FIBA BASKETBALL
MANILA, Philippines — Jericho Cruz helped Guam book a ticket to the Fiba Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers as they handed Thailand’s first loss in the pre-qualifiers, 75-69, on Friday at UG Arena in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Cruz delivered the goods for Guam with 13 points, including the finishing blow in the final seconds to keep his team unbeaten in three games, becoming the fifth team to reach the Asia Cup Qualifiers after Palestine, Iraq, Qatar, and UAE from Group E.
The Filipino guard dished out an assist to Tai Wesley to break a 69-all tie with 52 seconds to play before draining a floater to give Guam a 73-69 lead in the final seven-second mark.
Jonathan Galloway led Guam with a double-double of 22 points and 19 rebounds. Wesley finished with 17 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists. Earnest Ross Jr. added 16 points on top of five rebounds and four steals, while Cruz also had four rebounds, four assists, and one steal
Cruz and Guam wrap up their second round campaign against Malaysia on Saturday and host team Mongolia on Sunday.
Freddie Lish erupted for 29 points on top seven rebounds but it went for naught as Thailand suffered its first loss of the pre-qualifiers after winning all its four games in the first round last November.
Tyler Lamb’s Fiba comeback was also spoiled despite his 18-point and six rebounds.