JERICHO Cruz towed Guam to an 89-81 bounce back win over Thailand and kept in the running for the remaining berths in the FIBA Asia Cup Thursday night at the University of Taipei Tianmu gymnasium.
The San Miguel Beer guard topscored for 21 points, three rebounds, and eight assists.
He was a perfect 5-of-5 from the free throw line, including the insurance free throws after the Thais rallied back from a 15-point deficit in the final three minutes.
Earnest Ross Jr had an all-around game of 19 points, nine rebounds, and six assists in a no-relief job for Guam, which evened their record at 1-1 after suffering a 113-73 drubbing at the hands of host Chinese Taipei on Wednesday.
READ: Gadiaga leads Chinese-Taipei romp over Guam, Cruz in qualifiers
The host country will try to complete a two-game sweep of Group G on Friday when it takes on Thailand.
A win by Chinese Taipei would also ensure a safe passage for Cruz and Guam to the Asia Cup tournament proper in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia this August.
Only the top two teams in the group will advance.
The remaining two berths will come from Group H where action begins tomorrow between India and Iraq. Bahrain is the other country in the bracket.
Already qualified to the Saudi Arabia meet are Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Lebanon, Jordan, South Korea, China, Iran, Qatar, Syria, the host country, and the Philippines.
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