South Sudan give USA huge scare in Olympic basketball warmup

US forward #06 LeBron James grabs the ball during the Basketball Showcase friendly match between the United States and Serbia the at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on July 17, 2024.
Photo by Giuseppe CACACE / AFP

LONDON, United Kingdom — South Sudan's basketball team came close to stunning the United States' collection of NBA superstars on Saturday (Sunday, Manila time) before losing 101-100 in an Olympic Games warmup in London.

The US trailed by 14 points at halftime before LeBron James came to the rescue with 23 points, including the key score with just 20 seconds left.

Anthony Davis added 15 points with 11 rebounds for the US.

For South Sudan, who are ranked 33 in the world, Marial Shayok scored 25 points while Carlik Jones had 15 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists.

Both sides will meet again in the pool stages of the Paris Olympics which get underway on Friday.

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