South Sudan created history by thrashing China 89-69, securing its inaugural victory in the FIBA Basketball World Cup on Monday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Once again spearheading the Bright Stars is Carlik Jones, who continued his impressive start in the world tournament by contributing a team-leading 21 points on 47-percent shooting, accompanied by six assists and two rebounds, propelling his team to a 1-1 record in Group B.
Jones also etched his name in history during the team’s debut loss to Serbia, becoming the first player to record 35 points and 11 assists in a FIBA World Cup game over the past 30 years.
Aiding Jones were the likes of Ngor Kuany (16 points), Nuni Omot (14 points), Marial Shayok (13 points) and Majok Deng (12 points).
The Bright Stars entered the final quarter with a 10-point lead before decisively widening the gap with Majok Deng converting a layup to extend their advantage to 17 points, making it 79-62 with 2:20 left in the game.
“My players adhered to the game plan from the opening tip to the final buzzer. They displayed resilience, persistence, and unwavering focus. They followed the game plan diligently, competed at the highest level, and maintained laser-like focus,” stated South Sudan head coach Royal Ivey, a former NBA pro.
“I commend everyone from player one to player twelve. They executed their roles, played with intensity, determination, and passion. We competed fiercely for the full 40 minutes and emerged victorious,” he added.
The Bright Stars, with a 1-1 record, will have the opportunity to secure their spot in the Round of 16 against Serbia in the upcoming Group B match.
Also making his World Cup debut was NBA prospect Khaman Maluach.
The 16-year-old big man, who didn’t see action in their initial game, provided valuable minutes for the Bright Stars, accumulating six rebounds, two blocks, a point, and an assist in nearly 17 minutes on the court.
Meanwhile, China, with a 0-2 record, will be officially eliminated from contention if the Eagles fall to Los Magnificos later in the day.
Kyle Anderson, who was held scoreless in China’s opening loss, rebounded with 22 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block, while Zhao Rui and Zhou Qi added 13 and 10 points, respectively.
South Sudan aims to capitalize on this victory when they face the formidable Serbia on Wednesday at 4:00 p.m., while China will strive to secure its first win against Puerto Rico later that same day at 8:00 p.m. at the same venue.
The Scores:
South Sudan 89 – Jones 21, Kuany 16, Omot 14, Shayok 13, Deng 12, Kacuol 6, Dech 3, Gabriel 3, Maluach 1, Bar 0.
China 69 – Li (Anderson) 22, Zhao R. 13, Zhou Q. 10, Zhao J. 6, Cui 6, Hu 5, Zhou P. 5, Wang 2, Zhang 0.
Quarterscores: 22-14; 44-40; 63-53; 89-69
