The South Sudanese players will no doubt have great regrets when they think back to this match, the very first in their history in a World Cup…
Opposed to Porto Rico for what was the Group B opener in Manila, the South Sudan effectively blew the (very) hot and the (very) cold during this meeting, by proposing for example a first half at 52 points then a second at 29 points…
In the lead quite comfortably at the break (52-42), under the impetus of a carlik jones (38 points and 11 assists) perfect in the role of conductor and well supported by soldiers like Wenyen Gabriel (15 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals), Marial Shayok (11 points and 7 rebounds) or even Nuni Omot (11 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists), Royal Ivey’s troupe then completely foiled in the second act. While Puerto Rico, led by the pocket leader Tremont Waters (19 points and 10 assists) and by Stephen Thompson Jr. (21 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals), quietly nibbled away behind, with experience.
And yet, despite this failed second half, the “Bright Stars” were still in the lead at the start of the last minute (78-75). But the sequence of an ignored offensive rebound and a loss of ball on the next possession suddenly tipped the game in favor of Puerto Rico (81-78).
A winning shot from Carlik Jones to equalize 10 seconds from the end added a little spice to this “money-time”, beforeismael romero (16 points and 12 rebounds) does not miss two potentially decisive free throws in the last second!
From a victory almost acquired for South Sudan to an extension, there was therefore only one step, and the additional period of play finally proved fatal for the African formation, outdistanced for good by their adversaries South Americans who pounded one last time in the paint to drive the point home.
South Sudan will absolutely have to react against China on Monday to maintain a chance of reaching the second round. As for Puerto Rico, an option on qualification is already taken with this narrow victory, and the teammates of Tremont Waters can even dream of a first place if they beat Serbia…
Photo credit: FIBA.com
