Game Review: South Sudan, Africa's sole representative in Men's Olympic Basketball, was defeated by the USA 103-86 in their second Paris match. Despite their third quarter surge, Royal Ivey's team struggled to maintain its cutting edge against the Americans.
Last Updated on
August 1, 2024
Jonathan Oriant
Staff Writer
To the dismay of millions of African fans, South Sudan, the continent's sole representative in the Men's Olympic Basketball Tournament, suffered a harsh 103-86 defeat by the USA in their second Paris 2024 game. Royal Ivey's team couldn't replicate their previous success against the Americans.
Instead of revenge, South Sudan experienced a repeat of their warm-up match against the LeBron James-led USA team. This victory marked the USA's second win in Group C, securing a spot in the Quarterfinals. South Sudan faces a crucial final match against Serbia, a formidable opponent, to keep their tournament hopes alive.
The USA dominated the game from the start. Despite a respectable effort, South Sudan couldn't secure the desired result. The USA, having learned from past defensive lapses, implemented strategies to neutralise South Sudan's key players. Carlik Jones, although closely guarded, still managed 18 points and 7 assists. Nuni Omot led South Sudan with 25 points, while Bul Kuol and Marial Shayok added 16 and 12 points, respectively.
However, these efforts weren't enough to overcome the American powerhouse. Bam Adebayo led the USA with 18 points, supported by Kevin Durant (14 points), Anthony Edwards (13 points), LeBron James (12 points), and both Derrick White and Devin Booker (10 points each). Every American player scored at least 3 points, contributing to 29 assists, compared to South Sudan's 17. The US bench also contributed significantly with 66 points.
The USA established control early, leading by 12 points after the first quarter (26-4). Despite a spirited effort from Omot, who scored 13 points in the second quarter, South Sudan trailed 55-36 at halftime. They narrowed the gap slightly in the third quarter but still faced a 16-point deficit entering the final period. The intense final quarter ended 30-29 in favour of the USA, securing their 103-86 victory.
South Sudan's final group stage game against Serbia, scheduled for Saturday, will be decisive. With a 17-point deficit against the USA, South Sudan fared better than Serbia, who lost to the USA by 26 points (110-84). The point difference will be crucial in determining who advances to the quarterfinals alongside the USA.
[Photography Courtesy of The 2024 Paris Olympics]
