GUAM FALLS TO JAPAN IN ASIA CUP QUALIFIER

By Carmen Gogue

The Guam Men’s National Team suffered a heart rending 77-56 loss against the host country Japan on Thursday at the Ariake Coliseum in the Fiba Asia Cup 2025 Qualifier. This after leading 36-35 at halftime.

Earnest Ross Jr. led Guam with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Jericho Cruz and Tai Wesley both chipped in 12 points.

Japan grabbed first possession winning the jump ball to start the game and was first to put points on the board from made free throws by Yuki Kawamura. Not too long after, Josh Harrellson sank a three-pointer giving Japan a 5-0 run lead.

Guam’s Daren Hechanova grabbed a defensive rebound paired with a made layup to provide Guam’s first two points but Harrellson was quick to respond with another made trey from the arc to put Japan up 8-2.

Guam struggled to find their shots as Japan ended the first quarter with a 17-12 lead.

Coming into the second quarter, Guam was not ready to give up as they fought to grab a one-point lead from a Jericho Cruz put back 31-30.

With that short lead lasting just under 20 seconds, Takumi Simon snatched the lead back with a netted three-pointer to bring Guam up 34-32. Guam ended the first half with a mere 36-35 lead.

Guam extended their lead to 39-35 but Japan quickly switched gears and went on a 14-3 scoring run to end the third quarter.

Japan continued to outscore Guam in the fourth quarter with a 22-12 run to end the game.

Guam will now head to Ulaanbaatar to face No. 100 Mongolia, a team which they have been victorious against before. In November this year, Guam will host two games on island.