MANILA, Philippines: San Miguel Beer stalwart Jericho Cruz said Guam practically lost steam and didn't have the much-needed team chemistry necessary to beat a well-oiled Japan side during last Thursday's 77-56 victory by the Akatsuki Five in Tokyo in the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers.

Guam had an energetic opening half that saw the team lead, 36-35 at halftime.

But Japan outscored Guam, 42-20 in the second half that all but sealed the visiting team's doom.

"We only had three days to prepare. We didn't have live practice but only walk through," Cruz told The Manila Times.

The spitfire San Miguel guard also didn't have time to rest since the Beermen won the PBA Season 48 Commissioner's Cup championship against the Hotshots, 4-2 last week.

The 33-year-old Filipino-Guamanian guard added some members of the team are coming from different work, some of which are non-basketball related.

"Yes we came from different countries and some came from work that are not basketball-related," he bared.

Cruz finished with 12 points and four rebounds, but shot just 5-of-16 from the floor overall.

The two-time PBA Mr. Quality Minutes is confident that Guam can bounce back strong come Sunday when the team travels to Ulaanbataar to face host Mongolia.

"We just have to play hard and never give up. I know we will bounceback. Just enjoy the game and be grateful," he said.

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