Jericho Cruz and Guam received a harsh reality check to open Group C of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers, absorbing a 56-77 defeat at the hands of powerhouse Japan on Thursday at Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo.
Cruz, who is coming off a championship win with San Miguel in the recently concluded PBA Commissioner’s Cup, was a marked man throughout the game, going just 5-of-16 from the field with four turnovers for 12 points and an assist.
It was a dominant outing for the Paris Olympics-bound Akatsuki Five, who broke away in the third frame, turning a 35-36 halftime deficit into a 55-44 lead heading into the final frame.
Yuki Kawamura sparked the breakaway, finishing with 15 points, six assists, and five rebounds.
Makoto Hiejima got 12 points and three assists while  Josh Harrellson produced a double-double of 11 points and 21 rebounds.
Earnest Ross Jr supported Cruz with 14 points and 11 rebounds while Tai Wesley added 12 points and eight caroms.
The other Group C game between China and Mongolia saw the Dragons take an 80-49 rout.
Cruz and Guam will head to Ulaanbaatar next to face Mongolia on Sunday.
