Jericho Cruz struggled early but dropped most of his total output in the fourth period as Guam fended off Mongolia in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
Guam raced off to a hot start and did just enough in the ensuing quarters on the way to a 74-63 win over Mongolia in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers on Sunday.
Earnest Ross led the way for Guam with 19 points, eight rebounds, and two steals as the team levelled their record at 1-1 after the first window of the qualifiers.
Jonathan Galloway and Takumi Fukuda added 14 and 13 points, respectively as Guam zoomed to a 21-13 lead after the opening quarter.
Jericho Cruz couldn’t get his steam going early on, but lit up with eight points in the fourth period to keep the Mongolians at bay until the final buzzer. He completed a key and-one play inside the final two minutes to make it 67-58 in favor of Guam.
Cruz committed a team-high six turnovers, but had an all-around outing nonetheless with 10 points, four rebounds, and three assists as Guam rebounded from an opening loss to Japan.
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Bilguu Battuvshin paced Mongolia with 13 points, five rebounds, an assist, and four steals.