MANILA, Philippines – In perhaps the most nerve-racking and lopsided game of the World Cup so far, Puerto Rico launched a marvelous come-from-behind, overtime dub to stun South Sudan, 101-96, at their Group B Saturday slate in Smart Araneta Coliseum.
As Ismael Romero ended up bricking two blunderous foul shots that could have sent them home with a win earlier, Puerto Rico unleashed 19-point overtime markers en route to a completely resilient victory against South Sudan.
Puerto Rico showed grit and collective success to overcome South Sudan’s towering margins with five players cracking up to double-digit scoring. In a remarkable feat, four cagers tallied double-doubles for Los Gallos with Stephen Thompson Jr. (21 points, 13 boards) and Tremont Waters (19 points, 10 assists) George Condit (18 points, 11 boards), and Ismael Romero (16 points, 12 boards) at the frontline.
Jordan Howard registered 11 points.
Disappointingly, South Sudan collapsed in their own hands. They were leading by 10 in two separate scenarios in the second and in the third frame, as well as still clinging to a seven-point margin with 4:35 left, 72-65.
Carlik Jones’ spectacular 38 markers and 11 assists were wasted as South Sudan will now look to regroup as they face Team China on Monday.
On the other hand, Puerto Rico’s eyes carry that momentum from a dramatic emergence on their tourney opener and will collide against Serbia on the same day.
