Jericho Cruz and Guam’s first-ever game in the Fiba Asia Cup ended on a rough note after absorbing a 77-52 loss to Iran on Wednesday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Cruz finished with 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal but Guam only led 2-0 before the Iranians ran away with a convincing victory in their Group B matchup at King Abdullah Sports City.

READ: Beermen’s Finals MVP Jericho Cruz anchoring Guam’s Fiba Asia debut

The PBA Philippine Cup Finals Most Valuable Player appeared for almost 33 minutes and was one of two Guam players in double figures.

He also went 6-of-11 from the field but missed all three of his attempts from the three-point arc.

Jericho Cruz in action for Guam against Iran in Group B of the Fiba Asia Cup. –FIBA PHOTO

Tai Wesley had 18 points for Guam, which made its debut in the continental tournament after going through the final qualifying tournament last March.

READ: Jericho Cruz hopes to sustain fine form in Fiba Asia Cup for Guam

Up next for Cruz and Guam is Syria on Friday night local time or early Saturday morning Philippine time.

Matin Aghajanpour dropped 25 points for Iran while veteran Arsalan Kazemi had 10 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and four steals.

Iran, winner in 2009 and 2013 behind the great Hamed Haddadi, is aiming to bounce back from a quarterfinal finish three years ago in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Guam was able to cut the gap to 11 at the end of the third quarter, 52-41, with Cruz also helping the cause, only for Iran to take charge in the payoff period.