Game Report: Fox Basketball’s clutch three-pointer sealed a thrilling 83-81 OT win over Matero Magic, ending their Elite 16 campaign on a high. Matero’s 0-3 finish highlights costly free-throw misses and late-game woes.
Last Updated on
December 1, 2024
South Sudan powerhouse club Fox Basketball concluded their campaign in the East Division's Elite 16 with a thrilling 83-81 overtime victory over Zambia-based outfit Matero Magic, securing a consolation win that left their tournament record at 1-2. The defeat marked Matero's third loss, consigning them to a winless run at 0-3.
In a gripping overtime finish, Ghanian Stephen Garbrah's clutch three-pointer with just 11 seconds remaining proved decisive. Matero had one last opportunity to reverse the result, but their final attempt missed its mark.
The contest began with Fox's Prince Ifeanyi Chison Orizu setting the tone, but Donovan Lamont Jones quickly answered with a four-point surge to push Matero ahead. Four minutes into the first quarter, the Zambians had built a 12-9 advantage, extending it to 16-9 midway through the period.
However, Fox responded in the latter stages of the quarter, levelling the game at 19 behind long-range efforts from Joel Lukoji Banza and Mayom David Anyak Garang. Garang's shot edged Fox ahead 20-19, a lead they carried into the second quarter with a 27-23 advantage.
Momentum swung definitively in the second frame. Fox dominated with an 11-0 blitz, sparked by Manual Bol Malual’s three triples in quick succession, pushing the gap to 38-23. By halftime, a 22-15 quarter performance had left Matero trailing 49-38, as Fox punished them with six treys from 14 attempts in the opening half.
Matero tried their best to fight back in the third quarter, orchestrating a 7-0 run in the first three minutes to slash the deficit to 49-45. Though Fox briefly restored a double-digit cushion at 58-47, the Zambians clawed back again, narrowing the score to 60-56 heading into the final frame.
The fourth quarter brought drama aplenty.
Matero fought to equalize at 66 with under five minutes to play, and Isaac Kwesi Jr. handed them their first lead since the opening quarter at 69-66. The game remained fiercely contested, and by the end of regulation, the score was deadlocked at 72.
Both teams battled evenly during overtime until Garbrah’s decisive three-pointer sealed the outcome. Fox’s Akuel Marko Kot stood out with a game-high 24 points and 11 rebounds, leading his team in scoring and boards. His dominance was complemented by Fox’s composure at the free-throw line, where they converted 21 of 27 attempts (77.8%), significantly outpacing Matero’s 55.3% accuracy.
While Matero had improved their ball security with just 14 turnovers compared to 28 and 20 in previous games, their inability to capitalize on free throws, especially in critical moments, ultimately hurt their chances.
Reflecting on the loss, Matero’s head coach Manuel Da Silva acknowledged his team’s effort but lamented their decision-making and the absence of Donovan Lamont Jones in the closing minutes of regulation.
“Losing Donovan late in the game impacted our momentum, but I’m proud of the defensive improvements we showed,” he said.
For Fox, head coach Ajou Deng took solace in the victory despite their exit from semifinal contention.
“This win reflects our growth. We’ve faced challenges with new players and staff, but this result is a testament to our commitment to improvement,” Deng noted.
The thrilling encounter capped the group stage journeys of both teams, with Fox earning a bittersweet triumph and Matero left to ponder what might have been.
[Photography Courtesy of FIBA]
.png)
