MORE HISTORY MADE AS GUAM DOWNS SYRIA

By Jay Leon Guerrero

The Guam men’s national basketball team reached another milestone and got their first win in the 2025 Asia Cup Basketball Tournament. Guam, making its first appearance in the tournament, improved to 1-1 in Group B after defeating Syria 82-73.

Guam entered the contest as six-point underdogs to a higher-ranked Syria. The win puts Guam in a good position to advance for a chance to play in the Quarterfinals in just their first tournament appearance.

Coach EJ Calvo mentioned at the post-game press conference: “This game will go down in history for our program because it is our first appearance at the FIBA Asia Cup. We did not want to come and enjoy a great experience, we wanted to make a statement and prove that we belong in this level of basketball”.

“I’m proud of the team for coming together and earning the right to play more basketball,” said Calvo.

Tai Wesley, the backbone for the team, had a near triple-double with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. Guam started the game with an 8-point lead with guard Earnest Ross Jr. leading the way with 12 first-quarter points.

Jericho Cruz, who was tasked to play point guard, scored 21 points in the game. Cruz stated: “It was a hard-fought game for us, they (Syria) played good.”

Cruz was big in the final period, making three 3-point baskets to end any hopes of a Syria comeback. “We’ve been playing together for a long time and the chemistry we have is our engine,” said Cruz.

Guam led 27-21 after the first quarter and led by just three points at halftime 43-40. But Guam held the lead and never looked back.

Syria looked to come back in the second half and Guam was prepared for their adjustments. “The (halftime) message to the team was to reduce turnovers and continue defending as a team. We focused on one quarter at a time and earned an epic win that should go down in Guam sports history,” said Calvo.

Takumi Simon also played well with 15 points and three steals. Ross finished the game with 17 points and dished out eight assists.

In Pool B, Iran is the top team after upsetting Japan 78-70. Guam and Japan are tied with identical 1-1 records. Syria drops to 0-2. The last-place team in pool B will be eliminated. Barring a major upset from Syria, Guam is in a good position to extend its tournament play win or lose versus Japan.

“We played Japan twice, once in Japan and once on Guam. They have a good program and we have huge respect for them,” said Calvo. “They are a tough team and we are going to look at areas we can improve and prepare for them in the next 24 hours.”