By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
South Sudan made history. After making it for the first time in the FIBA World Cup, they will also represent Africa for the first time ever in the upcoming Olympics.
South Sudan qualified directly to Paris 2024 thanks to their 101-78 win over Angola, in combination with Egypt not being able to overcome the obstacle of New Zealand.
It’s not a small feat for a young team, coached by former NBA player Royal Ivey who serves also as an assistant coach to the Houston Rockets.
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Plus, Chicago Bulls’ guard Carlik Jones once more stole the show with 26 points, seven rebounds and 15 assists, former Fenerbahce guard Marial Shayok added 18 points and Lakers’ big man Wenyen Gabriel had 15 points and nine boards.
For the losing side, Childe Dundao scored 21 points.
South Sudan finishes the tournament with a solid 3-2 record and the top of Group M standings.
Jordan Clarkson erupts as the Philippines secure pre-Olympic qualifiers
The long-awaited victory for one of the hosts of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, the Philippines, finally came, and it couldn’t have come at a better moment. By defeating China 96-75, they secured a spot in the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
Gilas needed a 14-point (or a larger margin) victory over China to advance to the pre-Olympic qualifiers, and Jordan Clarkson came through with the game of the tournament, scoring 34 points in a final 2023 World Cup appearance.
Joseph Rhenz Abundo followed him with 14 points, while Kai Sotto added 12.
Kyle Anderson, also known as Li Kaier, led China with 17 points and nine rebounds. Zhang Zhenlin added 13, while Mingxuan and Zhao Rui contributed 12 points each. Hu Jinqiu also finished in double digits with 10 points.
Both sides finish the World Cup with a 1-4 score, but the Philippines will be ranked above China in the final standings with today’s victory.
PHOTO CREDIT: FIBA