China has now slumped to its second straight loss within the World Cup. —AUGUST DELA CRUZ
Don’t let the distinction in world rankings idiot you.
South Sudan notched its first-ever Fiba World Cup victory with an 89-69 rout of China on Monday that left the Asian heavyweights on the verge of elimination.
“We made historical past. We got here to do what we wished to do. We’re not completed. We acquired loads to play,” mentioned Carlik Jones, the Chicago Bulls guard within the NBA who has South Sudan roots. “It’s enormous for the nation, it’s enormous for the followers. We’re simply blessed to be right here and we’re simply grateful.”
Jones completed with 21 factors, making three triples out of 4 makes an attempt, and added six assists for the Brilliant Stars, who’re making their first look within the World Cup.
“Like I’ve mentioned 20 instances man, I couldn’t do it with out my teammates. My teammates belief me, my coaches belief me. I simply attempt to come out and be who I’m,” mentioned Jones.
“Chief is the largest factor for me being the purpose guard. I’ve to guide the offense and protection. I simply need to make it possible for my teammates are good and all people is assured.”
The loss left China’s marketing campaign hanging by a thread. Ranked twenty seventh on the planet, the Chinese language might discover no method again in opposition to their 62nd-ranked opponents, even after a bounce-back recreation by NBA ahead Kyle Anderson of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Anderson, who goes by the title Li Kaier, led China with 22 factors.
“We simply acquired to determine the best way to play laborious for 40 minutes; 20 minutes at this degree ain’t gonna reduce it,” Li mentioned.
China, earlier trashed by Serbia, 105-63, is winless in two video games.
France was additionally saved winless within the World Cup after an 88-86 loss to Latvia, and the Olympic silver medalists in Tokyo crashed out of title rivalry in a method that left veteran ahead Nicolas Batum “scared to go house.”
“I wasn’t actually ashamed with that jersey however that’s the primary time I’m actually ashamed,” mentioned the Los Angeles Clippers ahead. “I’m scared to go house as a result of we’ve let lots of people down. Lots of people within the nation believed in us to do one thing.
“They believed in it and we didn’t do it.” —WITH REPORTS FROM ROMMEL FUERTES JR., AFP
Your subscription couldn’t be saved. Please attempt once more.
Your subscription has been profitable.
Learn Subsequent
Do not miss out on the most recent information and knowledge.
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get entry to The Philippine Each day Inquirer & different 70+ titles, share as much as 5 devices, take heed to the information, obtain as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Name 896 6000.
For suggestions, complaints, or inquiries, contact us.