The fate of the three other African sides at the ongoing FIBA World Cup has been determined after Angola and Egypt missed out on progressing to the next round earlier in the week.
South Sudan, Cote d’Ivoire, and Cape Verde all lost their final group games and have been relegated to the Classification 17–32 games to determine the African side that will get the ticket for the Olympic qualifiers.
Serbia crown a perfect First Round record with a commanding W over South Sudan ????#FIBAWC x #WinForSrbija ????????
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 ???? (@FIBAWC) August 30, 2023
The Black Stars were beaten 83-115 by Serbia, who were led by Miami Heat youngster Nikola Jovic’s 25 points. Atlanta Hawks sharpshooter Bogdan Bogdanovic added 23 points, 9 assists and 3 steals, including shooting 6-of-9 from the 3-point line, as the Europeans ended the game with six players in double figures for the biggest score of the competition so far.
29-year-old guard Dut Jok Kacuol scored 21 points, to go along with Nuni Omot (17 points) and Marial Shayok (12 points) combined 29 points for the youngest nation at the tournament.
Brazil advances to the second round, led by Yago Santos. ✅#FIBAWC x #WinForBrasil ????????
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 ???? (@FIBAWC) August 30, 2023
Cote d’Ivoire couldn’t hold on to their first-quarter lead against Brazil as the South Americans overcame their West African counterparts 89-77 thanks to a brilliant second and fourth quarters.
Yago Santos, who dished out 12 dimes, led all scorers with 24 points for Braziil that also had Tim Soares finish with 15 points and 6 rebounds.
Cedric Bah painfully found himself on the losing side despite his 13-point and 13-rebound double-double, while Solo Diabete, who was crucial in their game day 2 win over Iran, could only manage 12 points.
Prepelic propels perfect Slovenia to the Second Round! ????#FIBAWC x #WinForSlovenia ????????
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 ???? (@FIBAWC) August 30, 2023
Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic continued his impressive display at the World Cup with 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists to lead Slovenia past Cape Verde 92-77 at the Okinawa Arena in Japan.
Betinho Gomes poured in 17 points and Kenneti Mended also added 10 points for the Cape Verdeans, but Klemen Prepelic responded with 18 points and 7 assists off the bench for Slovenia, helping them complete a sweep in the group.
