POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Stephen Thompson Jr.
Puerto Rico - South Sudan 101-96 (OT)
Puerto Rico outlasted South Sudan in the overtime drama in Manila today. Stephen Thompson Jr. (194-G-1997, college: Oregon St.) scored 21 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to lead the Latin American side to the opening win in Group B.
South Sudan looked solid at the start of the game. The African team maintained control as they gained a 29-24 lead after ten minutes. South Sudan extended the lead in the second frame. They established a 52-42 halftime advantage. But Puerto Rico turned the tables in the second half. They cut the deficit at 7-point mark heading into the fourth period. South Sudan enjoyed a 78-75 lead with just a minute remaining in regulation. Ismael Romero put Puerto Rico within one with 37 seconds to go. He followed then with a dunk to give Puerto Rico a 79-78 lead. Tremont Waters (180-PG-1998, college: LSU, agency: Shark Sports Management) sank two free throws to make it 81-78 with 14 seconds left. But Carlik Jones (185-PG-1997, college: Louisville) drained a three-pointer to force overtime. But Puerto Rico opened the extra period with 7 straight points and they held on to the lead to rally to the key victory at the end. Tremont Waters delivered 19 points for Puerto Rico. Carlik Jones answered with game-high 38 points and 11 assists for South Sudan. Wenyen Gabriel (208-PF-1997, college: Kentucky) hauled in 15 points in the loss.
Tags : STEPHEN THOMPSON JR., WORLD CUP BASKETBALL, USA NATIONAL TEAM
