Team USA survives South Sudan challenge in exhibition
Despite trailing by 16, Team USA rallies for 101-100 win
Exhibition game against Nigeria in 2021 served as a reminder of the challenges ahead for Team USA
LAS VEGAS, Nev. (AP) — Team USA survived a scare from South Sudan on Saturday, rallying from a 16-point deficit to claim a 101-100 victory in an exhibition game at Michelob Ultra Arena.
The win keeps Team USA perfect in their pre-Olympic exhibition tour. The Americans are now 3-0 heading into their final game against Spain on Monday in Malaga, Spain.
Team USA trailed by as many as 16 points in the first half, but they stormed back with a massive third quarter to take the lead. LeBron James' layup with 8 seconds left proved to be the game-winner.
James led Team USA with 22 points, followed by Damian Lillard's 19. Anthony Davis added 18 points and 10 rebounds.
South Sudan was led by Nuni Omot's 26 points. Wenyen Gabriel added 18 points and 10 rebounds.
The exhibition game against South Sudan was a reminder of the challenges ahead for Team USA. In 2021, Team USA lost an exhibition game to another African nation, Nigeria, in Las Vegas. That Nigerian team had far more NBA talent than the South Sudan team that Team USA faced on Saturday.
However, Team USA showed on Saturday that they are capable of overcoming adversity. The Americans are now one step closer to their goal of winning a fifth straight gold medal in men's basketball at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
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