GUAM ONE STEP CLOSER TO MAKING HISTORY

By Jay Leon Guerrero

After suffering a huge defeat on Wednesday night, the Guam National Men’s Basketball team bounced back with a much needed victory in 2025 FIBA Asia Cup. Guam defeated Thailand 89-81 in a must-win game Thursday night in Chinese Taipei.

With one game remaining in the 2025 Asia Cup Pool G, Guam improves to 1-1. Chinese Taipei (1-0) defeated Guam 113-73 on Wednesday and will face Thailand (0-1) Friday night on their home court. If Thailand loses, Chinese Taipei and Guam will both advance to the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup in Saudi Arabia later this year.

“After getting blown out by Chinese Taipei the night before, we had to make adjustments and regroup,” said guard Jericho Cruz. “Thailand made some big shots in the final quarter, but thankfully, our veterans and coaches helped us stay composed to get the victory.”

Guam was ahead 72-57 entering the fourth quarter, and Thailand made a strong comeback with good perimeter shooting. Thailand cut the lead to just four points with under a minute remaining, but Guam held on for the victory.

“I just so happy and proud of the team for accomplishing our goal of winning this game tonight,” said Guam head coach EJ Calvo. “The victory gave us a chance to qualify for the first time in our islands history for the Asia Cup.”

“Obviously, we need Chinese Taipei to win one more game, and we are rooting for Chinese Taipei to do their job,” added Calvo. “I’m proud of the team for bouncing back, and we are happy to leave Taiwan winning one out of two.”

Ernest Ross and Cruz also helped Guam maintain a double-digit lead in the third quarter. Guam held on during the final period and ended up winning 89-81 thanks to good free throw shooting from Ross and Cruz.

Cruz had 21 points and eight assists for Team Guam. Ross had 19 points and nine rebounds. Ben Borja II had had 15 points and seven rebounds.

Joe Blas had 13 points, sinking 3-of-4 three-point baskets. Blas also had three assists and three rebounds. Mark Johnson Jr. also had a big game with nine points, eight rebounds, and a game-high three steals.

Cruz said after the game that he was proud of the team for bouncing back and playing hard to accomplish their goal.

“We talked as a team and decided to play like it was our last game,” said Cruz. “We will be on the plane going back home during the game (Chinese Taipei vs Thailand), but we will be cheering for Chinese Taipei to get the win and help us out,” joked Cruz.