South Sudan put up another good fight against Team USA, but still suffered a clear 86:103 defeat. Coach Royal Ivey drew a space jam comparison after the game
The USA got off to a good start against South Sudan and led 26:14 after just ten minutes. Coach Ivey didn’t like that at all: “I told them that we had to be there from minute one and be physical. But we got off to a bad start and when that happens against a team like that, it’s difficult to come back.”
Nevertheless, the Africans reduced the deficit to -11 in the second half, which Ivey also praised. “They didn’t give up, they fought, even if we couldn’t close the gap.”
Carlik Jones impressed with 18 points and 7 assists, Nuni Omot scored 24 points against the gold favorites. Stephen Curry was not a factor and Jayson Tatum also remained pale. “We held them to 3 and 4 points,” analyzed Ivey. “They’re two of the best players in the NBA and yet it wasn’t enough for us. Those are the monstars over there,” the coach moaned about the depth of the US squad.
“Bam Adebayo had two threes, the same went for Derrick White. Haliburton also hit one and that was the difference. We lost by 17 and that’s a 15-point difference.” The USA’s top scorer was indeed Adebayo (18), while Kevin Durant contributed 14 points to the win
South Sudan still have a chance of reaching the quarter-finals
Just two weeks ago, South Sudan had the Americans on the brink of defeat, but according to Ivey, the gold favorites were better prepared this time: “I’m still proud. We weren’t scared, we didn’t put our heads down. Everyone gave their all and that’s all I can ask of my team.”
As the defeat was limited, South Sudan still has a chance of reaching the quarter-finals. A win in the final game against Serbia would see them qualify as group runners-up. In the event of a defeat, the basket ratio would become important, as only two of the best third-placed teams in the group would progress. For the moment, South Sudan (-6) have the advantage over Japan and Brazil (-24 and -25)
