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[Saba Sports News] Team USA nearly suffered an unexpected defeat in their exhibition game against South Sudan on Saturday night, but Anthony Edwards had a simple explanation for their narrow escape.
Trailing by 16 points, Team USA came back to win 101-100 at O2 Arena in London, England. When asked how the team pulled it together, Edwards credited one person: LeBron James. James scored 25 points and sparked a crucial 23-5 run in the second half, including the game-winning layup with 8 seconds left.
This year marks South Sudan’s first Olympic basketball appearance. Their roster includes several players with NBA ties, such as Carlik Jones, who recorded a triple-double with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists, and Marial Shayok, who led with 24 points.
LeBron praised South Sudan’s performance, saying, “Don’t take nothing away from South Sudan. They played extremely good basketball and that’s why the game is won in between the lines and not all on paper.”
James believes the close contest will benefit Team USA as they move forward. Without his takeover in the second half, the game could have been a major upset at the Olympics.