Day 2 action at the 2023 FIBA World Cup has so far provided unfavourable results for African teams, as South Sudan followed Cape Verde in opening their maiden appearance at the FIBA World Cup with a defeat.
Africa’s youngest country lost 96-101 in overtime to Puerto Rico after a gruelling contest across four quarters saw the game end in an 81-81 tie at the Araneta Coliseum in Manila, Philippines, in arguably the competition’s most exciting game so far.
The Bright Stars, who are also debutants at the tournament, could have won the game in normal time, but they let go of a 7-point lead in the fourth quarter. They were very close to also losing the game in the fourth quarter but in a crazy twist of events, Puerto Rico’s Ismael Romero missed two free throws in the last second of the game, forcing overtime.
However, the North Americans still got the job done by overpowering the North Africans 20-15 in overtime to get the maximum points in Group B. Puerto Rico currently sits atop the group with two points, while South Sudan is in second with a point until the other two teams in the group face off.
BEST GAME OF THE WORLD CUP SO FAR? ????#FIBAWC x #WinForAll ????
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The game was largely an even contest, with both teams boasting multiple players in double figures. South Sudan had five players end the game with double-digit points, with four being starters, while all of Puerto Rico’s starters managed to score more than ten points, along with Jordan Howard, who came off the bench and added 11 points.
The Bright Stars’ guard Carlik Jones led all scorers with his 38-point game, along with six rebounds and four steals, while dishing an impressive game-high 11 assists to end the tie with a double-double.
Former Los Angeles Lakers forward Wenyen Gabriel dropped 15 points and 7 rebounds, along with 2 steals and 3 blocks, in an impressive debut. The duo of Nuni Omot (11 points) and Marial Shayok (11 points) combined for a joint 22-point display, with the latter grabbing seven boards.
Stephen Thompson Jr. led Puerto Rico with 21 points, a game-high 13 rebounds, and five steals in 34 minutes. Tremont Waters, who played 44 minutes, finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while George Conditt’s 18 points and 11 rebounds and Ismael Romero’s 16 points and 12 rebounds ensured the North Americans had four players finish with double-doubles.
South Sudan can be proud of themselves as they put up a great fight in their first showing on the biggest stage. They, however, have little or no time to grieve as they will be facing China in their next game on Monday, August 28 at the same arena, just before Puerto Rico and Serbia face off four hours later.
