South Sudan is poised to make its debut on the grandest stage after an inspirational run in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
The Bright Stars moved closer to qualifying for the 2024 Summer Olympics by defeating Angola 101-78 in Group M of the classification stage on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
South Sudan, which only regained its sovereignty in July 2011, improved its record to 3-2. Its entry to the Paris games next year was confirmed when New Zealand defeated Egypt 88-86 later that evening.
“First of all, I lost my voice because I kept yelling, but I’m so thankful and wanted to give a shoutout to my coaching staff and the medical staff who kept our guys healthy, Tom, Dr. Jules. Man, what a game. I am quite speechless right now. To be honest, it’s so surreal. We’re going to the Olympics. I have nothing to say,” said coach Royal Ivey.
Bright Stars’ star point guard Carlik Jones made history by becoming the first player in FIBA Basketball World Cup history to record more than 10 assists in three games.
The NBA G League 2023 MVP produced 26 points, 15 assists, and seven rebounds against the Black Antelopes that night.
“It’s a blessing, you know, to play in my first World Cup games and to etch my name in the history books is unbelievable,” said Jones.
South Sudan had its eye on the prize throughout the game, allowing the Angolans to lead by just a point for only two seconds. The Bright Stars enjoyed a lead as wide as 66-43 thanks to Khaman Madit Maluach’s three-point play at 5:04 in the third quarter.
Marial Shayok and Nuni Omot had 18 and 17 points, respectively, for South Sudan. Wenyen Gabriel produced 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Majok Deng had 10 points.
On the other hand, Angola finished its campaign with a 1-4 record. It played its last game in the tournament without Bruno Fernando, who was ruled out due to an injury to his right ankle.
Childe Dundao led the Black Antelopes with 21 points, while Silvio de Sousa had 10 points. Jilson Bango contributed 10 points and 13 rebounds for Angola.
The Scores:
South Sudan (101) – Jones 26, Shayok 18, Omot 17, Gabriel 15, Deng 10, Maluach 5, Dech 2, Bar 0, Acuoth 0.
Angola (78) – Dundao 21, De Sousa 12, Bango 10, Domingos 9, Goncalves 9, Monteiro 6, Kokila 4, Paulo 2, Maconda 2, Fernandes 2, Francisco 1.
Quarterscores: 30-16, 53-19, 73-57, 101-78.
