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 needed to do. We’re not accomplished. We obtained loads to play,” mentioned Carlik Jones, the Chicago Bulls guard within the NBA who has South Sudan roots. “It’s large for the nation, it’s large 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 Vibrant 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 wish to guarantee that my teammates are good and everyone is assured.”
The loss left China’s marketing campaign hanging by a thread. Ranked twenty seventh on this planet, the Chinese language may discover no method again towards their 62nd-ranked opponents, even after a bounce-back sport by NBA ahead Kyle Anderson of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Anderson, who goes by the identify Li Kaier, led China with 22 factors.
“We simply obtained to determine learn how to play arduous for 40 minutes; 20 minutes at this degree ain’t gonna lower it,” Li mentioned.
China, earlier trashed by Serbia, 105-63, is winless in two video games.
France was additionally stored 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 dwelling.”
“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 dwelling 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
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