JERICHO Cruz and Guam scored a historic first-ever win in the FIBA Asia Cup by downing Syria, 82-73, early Saturday at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Making the most out of its first stint in the continental tournament, Guam went on a 10-2 run in a three-minute stretch midway through the fourth quarter which the 34-year-old Cruz capped with a clutch three pointer.
COLUMN: Jericho Cruz totally deserves that Finals MVP
The scoring binge turned a close three-point game for Guam into a 76-65 spread with 4:30 remaining - a good enough cushion to give the team the memorable and dramatic victory.
Cruz, adjudged as Finals MVP in the last PBA Philippine Cup title series won by San Miguel, led Guam with 21 points including a 5-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc.
His last three for the night gave Guam an 82-69 lead going to the last two minutes.
“This will go down in the history of our program, We always said we don’t want to just come and enjoy a great experience, but also make a statement that we belong at this level of basketball,” said Guam coach EJ Calvo.
Cruz said: “I’m just blessed, grateful that we’re here.”
After a 77-52 loss to Iran, the victory had Guam suddenly in the mix for a possible berth in the crossover playoffs right in its Asia Cup debut as it tied Japan at second place in Group B with similar 1-1 slates.
The Akatsuki lost to Team Melli earlier, 78-70.
Guam and Japan tangle on Sunday just after the game between Iran (2-0) and Syria (0-2).
Tai Wesley also had 21 points for Guam, but grabbed 10 rebounds for a double-double, while Earnest Ross Jr. added 17, and Takumi Simon with 15 including a 3-of-7 stint from beyond the arc.
In all, Guam shot 46 percent from three-point range (12-of-26).
“Tonight was the biggest game in our history because we got our first win,” added Calvo, who was teary-eyed along with some of the players when everything was finally won.
“I’m so proud of the team to come together and accomplished the goal of getting a win and earn the right to play more basketball in this tournament.”
The scores:
Guam (82) – Cruz 21, Wesley 21, Ross, 17, Simon 15, Galloway 5, Johnson 3, Kamai 0, Borja II 0, Fegurgur 0.
Syria (73) – Deshields 29, Adribi 11, Idelbi 11, Atli 6, Abdullah 6, Maran 4, Ali 3, Bakar 3, Nounou 0, Arbasha 0, Albalbisi 0.
Quarterscores: 27-21: 43-40; 64-59; 82-73.
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