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

(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.