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    Puerto Rico survives scare from World Cup debutant South Sudan in OT

    Puerto Rico survives fright
    Aug 26, 2023
    tremon waters puerto rico vs south sudan
    PHOTO: Jerome Ascano

    PUERTO Rico won’t let South Sudan pull off the first-ever upset in this year’s FIBA World Cup.

    The Los Magnificos rallied from a 12-point deficit to pull off a 101-96 victory in overtime against a team making its first appearance in basketball’s biggest stage.

    An Ismael Romero dunk with 16 seconds in regulation regained for Puerto Rico the upperhand, 79-78, and two free throws later by Tremon Waters made it a three-point contest against South Sudan.

    But the Bright Stars weren’t through yet.

    NBA veteran Carlick Jones hit a three-pointer to tie the game at 81-all before Romero uncharacteristically, missed two free throws with three-tenths of a second left to send the game into overtime.

    Puerto Rico took charge in overtime behind George Conditt, whose three-pointer instigated a 9-1 run and put the Bright Stars in control, 91-82.

    Waters finished with 19 points, 10 assists, four rebounds, and three steals to show the way for Puerto Rico, a consistent World Cup qualifier.

    The heartbreaker put to naught the 35 points and 11 assists of Jones to lead South Sudan.

    The scores

    Puerto Rico (101) - Thompson 21, Waters 19, Conditt 18, Romero 16, Pineiro 14, Howard 11, Holland 2, Ford 0, Reyes 0, Ortiz 0, Toro Barea 0.

    South Sudan (96) - Jones 35, Gabriel 13, Kacuol 13, Omot 11, Shayok 11, Deng 7, Dech 6, Kuany 0, Bar 0.

    Quarterscores: 24-29; 42-52; 60-67; 81-all (reg); 101-96.

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    PHOTO: Jerome Ascano
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