GUAM READY FOR ANOTHER WIN AGAINST MONGOLIA

By Jay Leon Guerrero

It’s going to be a big week for Guam’s Men’s National Basketball Team as they host two huge games at the University of Guam Calvo Field House.

Game 1 will be against Mongolia on Thursday, Feb 20th at 7:30 pm, and the second game will be against China on Sunday at 5 pm.

All games are in Pool C of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers. Japan is currently leading the standings at 4-0 and has already advanced to round two of the qualifier. China is in second with a 3-1 record. Guam is in third with a 1-3 record, and Mongolia is fourth with an 0-4 record.

Thursday’s game will bring Guam a step closer to qualifying for the Asia Cup scheduled for later this summer in Saudi Arabia.

The national team roster consists of a good chunk of veterans and youth. Here is the final roster:

Reo Aiken – 6’1″ (Guard)
Joe Blas – 6’1″ (Guard)
Ben Borja – 6’8″ (Forward)
Jericho Cruz – 6′ (Guard)
Matt Fegurgur – 6’9″ (Center)
Jonathan Galloway – 6’11” (Center)
Mark Johnson – 6’5″ (Forward)
Earnest Ross – 6’5″ (Guard)
Mike Sakazaki – 6’4″ (Forward)
Takumi Simon – 6’2 (Guard)
Tai Wesley – 6’7″ (Forward)

Head coach: EJ Calvo
Assistant coach: Jin Han

Guam won its first meeting against Mongolia in Pool C last year in Mongolia. Ernest Ross led Team Guam with 22 points to defeat Mongolia 74-63.

The team is currently in the Philippines finishing up training camp. Guam also played and won an exhibition game against a Philippine pro team.

“It was nice to get some physical competition against an experienced team. We are excited to get home and make final preparations for big games this week,” said head coach EJ Calvo.

Fans can get tickets on guamtime.net for one game or both games as a package.