August 11, 2025

Jericho Cruz sits out as Guam bows to Japan in Group B of FIBA Asia Cup

Jericho Cruz sits out as Guam bows to Japan in Group B of FIBA Asia Cup
Keisei Tominaga of Japan. | Photo (c) FIBA

Akatsuki Japan went off early and finished strong to blast Guam, 102-63, in their last game in the FIBA Asia Cup group stage on Sunday August 10 (PH time).

Keisei Tominaga set the tone early to power Japan, which waxed hot from the three-point line to improve to a 2-1 win-loss record in Group B.

Tominaga finished with 20 points on four triples, four of which he made in the first period where the Akatsuki shot six from long range to race off to a 27-15 start.

Yudai Nishida added another three triples for 16 points, while Yuki Togashi sank four on his way to 12 points.

Overall, Japan swished 20 three-pointers out of 50 attempts.

Even without Jericho Cruz, who finished with 21 points on five treys against Syria, Guam did put up a fight in the second period and trimmed the gap to 10, 30-40, after eight straight points from Earnest Ross.

But Japan responded with a 12-3 run to end the half for a commanding 52-33 buffer. It was all Japan from there as the Akatuski even led by as many as 42 points.

Ross paced Guam with 17 points, six rebounds, and three steals.

Tai Wesley put up 14 points, five rebounds, four assists, while Takumi Simon had 10 for Guam, who now sport a 1-2 card.

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