USA narrowly avoid huge shock against South Sudan

The United States came from 16 points down to debar 1 of nan biggest shocks successful hoops history successful a melodramatic 101-100 triumph complete South Sudan successful London.

South Sudan led 58-42 successful nan 2nd 4th earlier taking a 14-point lead into nan break successful an Olympics warm-up crippled astatine nan O2 Arena.

The USA went connected a 16-0 tally to extremity nan 3rd 4th pinch a five-point lead but South Sudan battled backmost to spell 1 constituent up pinch 20 seconds remaining.

LeBron James deed a important lay-up to put his broadside up by 1 constituent pinch 8 seconds to go, and South Sudan could not deed a precocious winner.

The USA are targeting a 5th consecutive men's hoops golden badge astatine this summer's Olympics successful Paris, while South Sudan, classed 33rd successful nan world, will play successful their first Games.

The 12-man USA roster is filled pinch immoderate of nan NBA's top talents, while only 4 of nan South Sudan squad person played an NBA game.

But they outplayed nan world number 1 broadside successful nan first half, hitting 61% of their shots, while nan USA only made 1 three-pointer.

Marial Shayok scored a game-high 25 points for South Sudan and Charlotte Hornets guardant JT Thor deed a three-pointer to put his broadside 100-99 up precocious on.

But nan USA were indebted to James, who capped a good second-half showing pinch nan game-winner to decorativeness pinch 23 points.

The United States person won each 4 of their pre-Olympic accumulation games, pinch their last warm-up coming against Germany astatine nan O2 connected Monday.

"That was amended than nan blowouts, astatine slightest we sewage tested - I for illustration getting tested baby," said two-time Olympic champion James, 39.

The USA and South Sudan will look each different successful Group C of nan 2024 Olympics connected 31 July.

"The lucifer was ace important because we consciousness for illustration we can’t beryllium beaten and they showed america we tin beryllium beat," said USA defender Anthony Edwards.

"We person to travel fresh to play."