GUAM ON THE WIN COLUMN, VICTORY OVER MONGOLIA

By Carmen Gogue

The Guam men’s national team avenged their loss against Japan defeating No.100 world-ranked Mongolia 74-63 in Ulaanbaatar Sunday night in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers.

Earnest Ross Jr. had 19 points with a respectable 8 rebounds to lead Guam.

Guam faced Mongolia in the Pre-Qualifiers in February 2023 with a one-point win 82-81 from a last second three-pointer from Ross.

Fierce Start

Mongolia won the jump ball but it was Guam who set the tone early with a made layup by Tai Wesley to put Guam on the scoreboard first.

Mongolia answered with a made jump shot from Bilguun Battuvshin but Ross acted quickly hitting a trey to put Guam up by three 5-2.

As Mongolia attempted to keep pace, Guam found their scoring rhythm leading by as much as 11 points in the first quarter.

Guam continued to keep a steady lead ending the first quarter 21-13 and eventually the half at 39-32 over Mongolia.

Sealed Win

Guam continued to control the game in the third quarter with versatile attacks. Made layups, a few dunks from Jonathan Galloway and Takumi Simon, and big three-point shots provided Guam the third quarter 58-48.

Guam’s well-rounded offense maintained the lead throughout the final quarter to fend of Mongolia ending the game 74-63.

Guam will host China in November this year in the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers.