Serbia clinches a Quarter-Final spot with a win over South Sudan. © Twitter (@iamOlyfred)
Greece advanced to the FIBA Basketball World Cup Quarterfinals as Serbia narrowly defeated South Sudan 96-85 in an exciting game that left spectators on edge. The match at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille, France, was a high-stakes battle with significant implications for both teams and the broader tournament landscape.
Serbia and South Sudan delivered a thrilling and memorable performance, with both teams exchanging blows throughout the game. Despite the combined efforts of Bogdan Bogdanovic and Nikola Jokic, who scored 43 points before the start of the fourth quarter, Serbia struggled to pull away. South Sudan kept the pressure on, reducing the deficit to just one point early in the final period, thanks to a spectacular alley-oop dunk by Wenyen Gabriel that electrified the crowd.
However, Serbia’s coach, Svetislav Pesic, calmed his team and shifted the momentum. Bogdanovic had already scored 28 points by the fourth quarter, and Jokic, with his playmaking abilities, orchestrated a decisive 19-3 run. This surge put Serbia ahead 91-74 with just under three minutes to play, effectively sealing the game.
Bogdan Bogdanovic was the standout performer of the night, scoring 30 points on an efficient 10-of-14 shooting from the field, including 6-of-9 from beyond the arc. He also contributed eight assists, showcasing his all-around game. Nikola Jokic supported him with a strong double-double, adding 22 points, 13 rebounds, and four assists. Their effective pick-and-roll play proved too much for South Sudan to handle.
Statistically, South Sudan had a decent shooting night, making 14-of-34 shots from three-point range. However, Serbia’s superior shooting percentages—66% from two-point range and 52% from three—were crucial in their victory. This efficient shooting allowed Serbia to maintain their lead and ultimately run away with the win.
The victory had significant implications for Greece. With Brazil taking one of the best third-placed spots, Greece needed Serbia to defeat South Sudan by at least three points to advance to the Quarterfinals. Serbia’s 11-point victory ensured Greece’s place in the elite eight, much to the relief of Greek fans who anxiously followed the game.
South Sudan, despite its loss, can hold its heads high. It has established itself as a formidable team in African basketball and has shown it can compete on the international stage. Carlik Jones and Marial Shayok led South Sudan with 17 points each, with Jones also dishing out ten assists. Their performances not only indicate a bright future for South Sudanese basketball but also give hope for their continued rise in international basketball.
This game was a testament to the drama and excitement of international basketball. Serbia’s experience and star power ultimately made the difference, securing a crucial win and ensuring Greece’s passage to the Quarterfinals. As the tournament progresses, both teams will look to build on their performances, with Serbia aiming for further success and South Sudan hoping to continue their rise in international basketball.
