By Cesare Milanti / info@eurohoops.net
MANILA, Philippines – After putting on a show in their debut against Puerto Rico, eventually losing with a crazy ending, South Sudan bounced back and got its historic first-ever win at a FIBA World Cup, beating China 89-69.
Being one of the top performers on the first day of games, Carlik Jones put up another great game with 21 points and 6 assists to help his team get the victory. There were other four guys on the African side who scored in double-digits, including Nuni Omot’s 14.
Moreover, Khaman Maluach became the second player aged under 17 years old to score in a FIBA World Cup game over the last 35 years, after China’s Ailun Guo in 2010.
“My players stuck to the gameplan from the opening tip to the closing horn. They were resilient, persistent, and focused. They followed the gameplan and competed at the highest level. Everybody did their job, they played with emotions and fought”, head coach Royal Ivey commented on the first-ever win by South Sudan.
On the Chinese national team, Li Kaier recovered from his first scoreless game under Sasha Djordjevic’s team, providing 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists; he became only the 3rd player to score 20+ points in a game of the preliminary round of the FIBA World Cup with China since the start of the 2010 edition after Jianlian Yi (4 games) and Shipeng Wang (1 game).
“We have to step up: the big difference came in the three-point shooting, where they were unbelievable today. They put us in trouble with their athleticism, height, and intimidation under the basket”, head coach Sasha Djordjevic said after the defeat.
PHOTO CREDIT: 2023 FIBA World Cup
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