South Sudan Give US Huge Scare in Olympic Basketball Warm-up

Basketball - USA Basketball Showcase - United States v Serbia - Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - July 17, 2024 LeBron James of the U.S. in action REUTERS/Rula Rouhana/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
Basketball - USA Basketball Showcase - United States v Serbia - Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - July 17, 2024 LeBron James of the U.S. in action REUTERS/Rula Rouhana/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
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South Sudan Give US Huge Scare in Olympic Basketball Warm-up

Basketball - USA Basketball Showcase - United States v Serbia - Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - July 17, 2024 LeBron James of the U.S. in action REUTERS/Rula Rouhana/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
Basketball - USA Basketball Showcase - United States v Serbia - Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - July 17, 2024 LeBron James of the U.S. in action REUTERS/Rula Rouhana/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights

South Sudan's basketball team came close to stunning the United States' collection of NBA superstars on Saturday before losing 101-100 in an Olympic Games warm-up in London.

The US trailed by 14 points at half-time 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, according to AFP.

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.



Paolini Parts Ways with Coach after Early Wimbledon Exit

Jasmine Paolini of Italy leaves the court after losing her Women's 2nd round match at the Wimbledon Championships, Wimbledon, Britain, 02 July 2025.  EPA/TOLGA AKMEN
Jasmine Paolini of Italy leaves the court after losing her Women's 2nd round match at the Wimbledon Championships, Wimbledon, Britain, 02 July 2025. EPA/TOLGA AKMEN
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Paolini Parts Ways with Coach after Early Wimbledon Exit

Jasmine Paolini of Italy leaves the court after losing her Women's 2nd round match at the Wimbledon Championships, Wimbledon, Britain, 02 July 2025.  EPA/TOLGA AKMEN
Jasmine Paolini of Italy leaves the court after losing her Women's 2nd round match at the Wimbledon Championships, Wimbledon, Britain, 02 July 2025. EPA/TOLGA AKMEN

World number four Jasmine Paolini has parted company with coach Marc Lopez just days after her second-round exit from Wimbledon, the Italian said.

Paolini, who last year became the first Italian woman in the Open era to reach the Wimbledon final, lost 4-6 6-4 6-4 to Russian Kamilla Rakhimova last week.

The 29-year-old began working with Lopez in April after ending a decade-long partnership with Renzo Furlan.

Under the guidance of Lopez, a former doubles world number three who was once part of Rafa Nadal's coaching team, Paolini won her second WTA 1000-level crown at the Italian Open and also lifted the women's doubles title at the French Open.

"We had some great results together. Especially in Rome and Paris," Paolini wrote on social media on Monday, according to Reuters. "I appreciate all the hard work and energy Marc gave every day.

"Now that this part of the season is over, I've decided to make a change. "I've learned a lot and made good progress. And now I'm taking the time to reflect on what the next step will be. Thank you again, Marc, for everything."a