Guam’s Jericho Cruz during a game against Thailand in the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers.–Photo from Fiba
MANILA, Philippines—Jericho Cruz and Guam made history by securing a spot in the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup for the first time.
Guam officially punched their ticket to the continental meet on Friday when Chinese Taipei beat Thailand.
Guam, though, took care of business on Thursday after clipping the Thais, 89-81, behind Cruz’s efforts.
READ: Jericho Cruz, Guam lose to Japan in Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers
The Filipino-Guamanian guard racked up 21 points, eight assists, three rebounds and a steal in 37 minutes.
Guam’s duo of Earnest Ross Jr. and Ben Borja II also provided significant contributions with 19 and 15 points, respectively.
Guam finished the final phase of the qualifiers at 1-1 after absorbing a 113-73 drubbing at the hands of Taipei on Thursday.
The 34-year-old Cruz, who plays for the San Miguel Beermen in the PBA, has established himself as a reliable cog for Guam. He averaged 10.8 points, 2.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists in eight games in the qualifiers.
