In a thrilling pre-Olympic friendly at the O2 Arena, South Sudan narrowly lost to Team USA, 101-100. A controversial no-call in the final seconds, where Wenyen Gabriel appeared to be fouled, marred an otherwise impressive performance by South Sudan.
Last Updated on
July 21, 2024
Ayo Biyibi
Staff Writer
Following their East London thriller at the CopperBox, the South Sudan national team took to the court at the world-famous O2 Arena to face the formidable Team USA for the first time in the South Sudan Basketball Federation (SSD Fed) history. Despite South Sudan's impressive talent, many experts felt they underperformed in their previous game against a rebuilding Great Britain side, believing they should have secured a more decisive victory.
Team USA, however, presents an entirely different challenge with their roster of superstars. After their embarrassing but well-deserved 113-111 loss to Germany in the final of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, the USA is determined to "reclaim" their status as the dominant force in international basketball. This goal comes despite a growing sentiment among knowledgeable basketball fans that the USA's supremacy is waning.
In addition to avenging their 2023 World Cup failure, Team USA stepped onto the O2 Arena court with the memory of their 90-87 pre-Olympic loss to Nigeria in 2021 in the back of their minds. With that memory swirling the locker room, Team USA aimed to avoid another defeat to an African nation, let alone a fast-growing powerhouse, adding extra motivation to their clash with South Sudan.
South Sudan's Head Coach Royal Ivey opted for continuity, starting Euroleague-bound superstars Carlik Jones (Partizan BC) and Wenyen Gabriel (Maccabi Tel Aviv) alongside 2023 Basketball Africa League Champion Nuni Omot, Australian NBL star Bul Kuol, and former Fenerbahçe wing Marial Shayok. Team USA, fielding a formidable lineup, included NBA champions Jrue Holiday and Joel Embiid, alongside Devin Booker, Stephen Curry, and LeBron James.
The game started poorly for South Sudan, falling behind 10-2 early, prompting a timeout. Post-timeout, Wenyen Gabriel sparked a comeback with consecutive three-pointers, reducing the deficit to 13-11. Stephen Curry responded with his trademark three, extending USA's lead to 16-11. However, South Sudan rallied, taking an 18-16 lead via a JT Thor assist to Khaman Maluach, forcing Team USA to call a timeout.
The Bright Stars maintained their momentum, with contributions from Jackson Makoi and Peter Jok pushing their lead to 23-18. Despite USA's efforts, South Sudan ended the first quarter with a 26-24 lead. The second quarter saw South Sudan extend their lead to 34-26, with Thor, Kuol, and Shayok keeping the pressure on. A smooth fadeaway from Carlik Jones helped maintain a 54-40 lead with less than two minutes left in the half, with the period ending with South Sudan holding a commanding 58-44 advantage.
However, the third quarter saw a shift in momentum. Team USA went on a 12-4 run, cutting the lead to 62-56. South Sudan's Maluach and Shayok temporarily restored an 11-point lead (71-60), but a three-pointer from LeBron James ignited a USA comeback, culminating in a 76-76 tie after a Devin Booker three-pointer. USA finished the quarter strong, with Steph Curry and Joel Embiid securing an 81-76 lead.
The fourth quarter was a hard-fought battle. Both teams traded baskets, with the USA maintaining a slim lead. South Sudan cut the deficit to one point (91-90) after a Kuol steal and Jones layup. However, defensive errors allowed the USA to extend their lead to 99-92.
With 1:32 left, Shayok initiated a 5-0 run, cutting USA's lead to 99-97. JT Thor hit a three-pointer, giving South Sudan a 100-99 lead with just 20 seconds remaining. LeBron James executed a perfect play out of a timeout, reclaiming the lead for USA (101-100). In the final seconds, Carlik Jones missed a go-ahead shot, and Wenyen Gabriel's put-back attempt appeared to be fouled. However, the referees did not call the foul, awarding the game to Team USA amidst protests from South Sudan's bench and fans.
Despite the loss, South Sudan demonstrated its potential against some of the world's best at the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, the game will be remembered for the controversial no-call that marred an otherwise thrilling contest.
Carlik Jones ended the game with a game leading 15-point, 11-assist and 11-rebound triple-double.
[Photography / Imagery Courtesy of The South Sudan Basketball Federation]
