By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
LeBron James hit the winning layup with eight seconds to play to lift USA over South Sudan 101 – 100 in the toughest battle his team has faced so far during training camp ahead of the Olympic Games.
South Sudan could’ve gotten the victory but Carlik Jones misfired close to the basket and Wenyen Gabrie couldn’t make the putback basket. Their team came close to a historic win and received the well-deserved applause in London.
James, finished with 23 points, six rebounds and six assists while Anthony Davis had 15 points and 11 rebounds for USA.
Jones, who is expected to move to Partizan Belgrade, put up a triple-double of 15 points 11 rebounds plus 11 assists. Former EuroLeague wing Marial Shayok led South Sudan in scoring with 25 points.
After recovering from an early 12 – 2 deficit, South Sudan went on to overpower USA and close halftime up 58 – 44. James and co. erupted near the end of the third period with a 18 – 0 run over less than four minutes to go ahead 83 – 76 early in the fourth quarter.
USA led 99 – 92 with less than two minutes to remaining but it was far from over. South Sudan rallied as Shayon scored five straight points and then JT Thor hit the corner three to give his team a 99 – 100 advantage. On the other end, LeBron called game for USA.