HONG KONG — Ismael Romero has vowed to do better after he came close to letting Puerto Rico down in its 101-96 overtime victory over South Sudan in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
With the game tied at 81-all, the 32-year-old power forward successfully drew a foul from South Sudan’s Dut Jok Kacuol on the final play of regulation.
Romero then missed the two subsequent free throws, and both teams headed into overtime. Los Magnificos eventually prevailed in the additional frame, but the 6-foot-9 standout from the Balconesto Superior Nacional still felt guilty afterward.
“It was tough for me because all my career I tried to be better on the free throw line. I worked so hard for that moment, today I can’t make it but I know tomorrow’s another day so I’ll have another chance for sure,” he said.
“I worked so hard to be here in this situation. I tried to do my best for the team. Rebound, screen, go to the floor, whatever it takes.”
Romero finished the game with 16 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, and three steals in 36 minutes and 41 seconds on the floor.
Despite his two missed free throws in regulation, the former NBA G League player contributed significantly to ensuring that Puerto Rico did not get upset by the 62-ranked South Sudan, which has joined the FIBA Basketball World Cup for the first time in its history.
The Puerto Ricans have used their “get out of jail” card, and they recognize that they need to perform better when they face Serbia this Monday.
“We know it’s gonna be like that, a crazy game. You only have one chance,” said Romero.
“This is the first time in the World Cup for (South Sudan), for us it’s a big opportunity to try to go in the second round. So we’re happy to be here.”
