GUAM FALLS TO TAIPEI 113-73 IN FIBA PLAY

The Guam National Basketball Men’s Team suffered a 40-point defeat to host team Chinese Taipei 113-73 at the University of Taipei Tianmu Gymnasium in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers Group G.

Guam is down, but not out of making the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifier. It’s a three team race, and two will advance to Saudi Arabia later this year for the Cup.

In Pool G, Chinese Taipei is 1-0, and the Guam is 0-1. Guam will play Thailand tonight.

If Guam defeats Thailand tonight at 9 pm, their chances of making the cup will be very good. In their last meeting in 2023, Guam defeated Thailand 75-69.

“The score is what it is. The main thing is that we continued to play hard and play with pride,” said guard Ernest Ross. Ross led Guam with 22 points and seven rebounds. Mark Johnson Jr. had 13 points, Ben Borja II had nine points and six rebounds.

“We are going to be ready to come back tomorrow night,” said head coach EJ Calvo. “Unfortunately, we were down two starters that play professionally. They were unable to join us for this window because of their commitment to their clubs. “

Despite being down starters, shooting guard Takumi Simon and center Jonathan Galloway,  Calvo said it’s a great opportunity for the younger players on the squad to step in and perform.

Guam will play Thailand at 9 pm at the Taipei University gymnsium in a must win game.

Mohammed Al Bachir Gadiaga led Chinese Taipei with 23 points, making 9-of-13 shots. Brandon Gilbeck had 15 points and 13 rebounds for Chinese Taipei.