Jericho Cruz, Guam lose to Japan in Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers

PBA player Jericho Cruz playing for Guam in their game against Japan in the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers. –FIBA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Jericho Cruz and Guam fell to Japan, 77-56 in Group C action of the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers at Ariake Coliseum in Japan.

Cruz, who is coming off a championship high after winning the Commissioner’s Cup with San Miguel Beer in the PBA, showed no letup with 12 points, four rebounds and two steals.

READ: Jericho Cruz set for Guam duty after PBA championship

He was frustrated by the Japanese as he shot an abysmal 31.2 percent field goal shooting clip, sinking just five of his 16 attempts from the field.

Earnest Ross Jr. led Guam with a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds but it was all for naught. Tai Wesley also chipped in 12 in the defeat.

Yuki Kawamura powered Japan to the dub with 15 points, six assists, five boards and three steals.

READ: PBA: Love him or hate him, Jericho Cruz is all about winning

Makoto Hiejima posted 12 to his name while import Josh Harrellson muscled his way to a monster double-double of 11 points and 21 boards for the Japanese win.

Cruz and Guam look to bounce back with a dub over Mongolia in UG Arena, Ulaanbaatar on Sunday.