Jericho Cruz did not see action for Guam in Sunday’s 102-63 loss to Japan in its final match of group play before heading to the knockout phase of the Fiba Asia Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Cruz was rested during the Group B game at King Abdullah Sports City, obviously due to a knee issue, which he played through since helping the San Miguel Beermen win the PBA Philippine Cup crown.

READ: Jericho Cruz leads Guam to historic Fiba Asia Cup win

Guam was handily beaten by Japan to settle for third place in Group D with a 1-2 record. Japan claimed second spot at 2-1.
The Finals Most Valuable Player, however, is expected to return for the qualification to the quarterfinals which will see Guam take on the second-placed team in Group A, which could either be Lebanon or South Korea.

Lebanon and South Korea were playing as of posting time.

READ: Jericho Cruz, Guam routed by Iran in Fiba Asia Cup debut

Cruz averaged 16.0 points in two games for Guam and was one of the reasons for the tiny island’s breakthrough victory at the expense of Syria, 82-73, on Friday.

He had 21 points spiked by three triples in the latter part of the fourth that sealed the deal for Guam.

Keisei Tominaga scored 20 points in Japan’s convincing triumph while Earnest Ross Jr. dropped 17 points for Guam.