Jericho Cruz in action with Guam in the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup. –FIBA PHOTO
Jericho Cruz did not suit up again due to a hamstring injury as Guam ended its maiden campaign in the Fiba Asia Cup with a 99-66 loss to South Korea in the qualification for the quarterfinals on Tuesday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The San Miguel Beer mainstay, who got hurt following the landmark win over Syria in group play, was sorely missed as Guam failed to sustain its lead in the first quarter before South Korea turned the contest into a blowout at King Abdullah Sports City.
READ: Jericho Cruz leads Guam to historic Fiba Asia Cup win
South Korea advanced to take on old rival China in the quarters.
Guam’s other main player Tai Wesley also didn’t see action, leaving the team with a 10-man crew.
With the loss, Guam wrapped up a campaign that the tiny island earned by way of the final qualification tournament last March.
READ: Jericho Cruz rests in Guam’s blowout loss to Japan in Fiba Asia Cup
Cruz shrugged off fatigue after winning the Finals Most Valuable Player for his main role in San Miguel’s run to the Philippine Cup title to suit up for Guam as debutant of the continental showcase.
The 34-year-old, who was raised in Saipan by his Filipino parents, averaged 16.0 points on 52-percent shooting with 2.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.0 steals.
He had 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal during Guam’s 77-52 loss to Iran in Group B before helping Guam secure an 82-73 victory over Syria to virtually clinch a qualification game berth.
Cruz delivered 21 points including three triples late that sealed that historic victory for Guam. He was in action last Sunday when Guam was thrashed by Japan, 102-63.
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