HOIMA (Uganda) - Formed just last year, South Sudan’s Patriot Basketball Club played their first Road to BAL game at the Hoima City Arena in Uganda like they belong.
South Sudan has never been short of talent, and the roster the Patriot assembled, which includes veteran Lebanese centre Ater Majok of South Sudanese descent, point guard Jackson Makoi, as well as American guard Michael Dixon - the 2022 BAL MVP -, made a case in the 84-79 defeat to seasoned campaigners Urunani.
Dixon led Patriot with 17 points and Makoi added 16 for Patriot.
With 18 lead changes and no double-digit leading margin for either team, the game was tightly contested, which was a testament to the Patriots’ strength.
Patriot traded baskets with Urunani right from tip-off, with Makoi and Dixon leading the charge for the South Sudanese side, while Mahamane Coulibaly, Tyrone Stubbs and Bamba Diallo, off the bench, went to work for the Burundian side.
For coach Ajou Deng, the concern going forward will be late-game execution and free-throw shooting. While Patriot had a slim lead later in the game, their execution down the stretch was concerning, with rushed offense and four turnovers committed to hand Urunani the initiative.
Coach Elvis Hakizimana will be pleased with his bench production, especially from Diallo, who hit big shots throughout the game after stepping in for Chingka Garba and playing big minutes.
Next Up
Patriot will be looking to bounce back Friday against COSPN of Madagascar, while Urunani are poised to extend their winning run to 3 games when they play Ushindzi of Comoros.
FIBA