MANILA – Ilonggo Jericho Cruz was locked down defended all game long as Guam national basketball team suffered a 113-94 defeat at the hands of Oceania basketball giant, New Zealand, in the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers at the at the Calvo Fieldhouse in Guam on Feb. 23.
The NLEX Road Warriors guard of the Philippine Basketball Association, a Filipino-Northern Mariana Islander, struggled to find his offensive touch as he finished with just four points on two-of-eight shooting along five assists, four rebounds, and four turnovers.
Guam was in step with New Zealand early in the match and even tasted the lead, 24-22, at the end of the opening frame, but New Zealand responded with a huge second quarter storm to leave Guam devastated.
The basketball giant led by as much as 28 points at 102-74, with over five minutes left in the final quarter.
Will Stinnett, a former Adamson University Falcons just like the Ilonggo, recorded 10 points, four rebounds, and three assists for Guam.
Shea Ili tallied 25 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and four steals, while Reuben Te Rangi added 17 markers built on five triples for New Zealand, which also defeated fellow giant, Australia, on Feb. 20.
Guam, now with a 0-1 win-loss record, will take on another loaded squad in Australia on Nov. 27, but it is still questionable if the Road Warriors will give the blessing to Cruz to play in that match./PN
