We'll have to wait a little longer to see an African victory in this World Basketball Championship, which is currently taking place in Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines until September 10. After Egypt's opening defeat by Lithuania (67-93) and Angola's loss to Italy (67-81), three of the continent's teams (Cape Verde, South Sudan and Côte d'Ivoire) were in action this Saturday, August 26, 2023. But they all failed to win.
Cape Verde stalls in front of Georgia
The Blue Sharks stumbled against Georgia in their first game of the World Basketball Championship.In Group F, Cape Verde lost 85-60. The Cape Verdeans lost three quarters before winning the last one 23-15. But that wasn't enough to turn the scoreboard around. Kenneti Mendes was the leading scorer for the Ilians with 11 points and 2 rebounds. Cape Verde's next game is against Venezuela on August 28, in the 2nd round of the group.
South Sudan go into extra time
They almost pulled off the feat of the first day of the World Basketball Championship. South Sudan held off Puerto Rico, who had to go to overtime to overcome their African opponents. At the end of regulation time, the two teams were tied at 81 points apiece. South Sudan ended up losing by 101-96. But Carlik Jones was enormous in this game. The Chicago Bulls player put in 35 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and dished out 11 assists. The South Sudanese are expected to sound the revolt on August 28 against China in Group B.
Côte d'Ivoire fail to hold off Spain
Côte d'Ivoire, the continent's last representative to contest the first day of the World Basketball Championship, followed in the footsteps of the continent's leading nations. The Elephants were crushed by Spain by a 30-point margin (94-64). The Ivorians didn't win a single quarter in a match dominated from start to finish by La Roja. Bazoumana Kone's 11 points were the bright spot in the gloom. Côte d'Ivoire will be back on deck on August 28 against Iran in Group G.
