HOIMA (Uganda) - The South Sudanese side trailed by 11 points early in the first quarter as COSPN got off to a flying start, leading 13-2 midway through the period at Hoima City Arena.
However, Patriot slowly but surely started to gain control over the game through the middle quarters after elevating the defensive effort. Offensively, Patriot went on an 11-0 run capped by a dunk from Ater Majok to go ahead 27-25.
Ikenna Okeke’s driving lay-up followed by a foul shot put COSPN in the lead, but shooting guard Jackson Makoi hit a go-ahead 3-pointer, and Patriot never trailed again. Makoi finished the game with 23 points.
Ajou Deng, the head coach of Patriot, will be pleased with the late execution after struggling late in the game against Urunani.
Despite having a relatively poor shooting night, the 2022 BAL MVP Michael Dixon managed the game well for the South Sudanese side, finding a balance between transition and half-court sets.
Meanwhile, Okeke continued with his scoring streak, marching to a game-high 23 points. It was a third game in which he has scored 20+ points.
Next Up
COSPN will be searching for their first win of the tournament on Saturday when they take on Ushindzi, who are also without a win and bottom of the group.
Meanwhile, Patriot’s pursuit of a spot in the Elite 16 will face its ultimate test when the battle against the Namuwongo Blazers in the last game of Saturday.
FIBA