The Tribune

By TENAJH SWEETING

Tribune Sports Reporter

tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

TEAM Bahamas, with the newest addition of Phoenix Suns guard Eric Gordon, split games 1-1 against the University of Kansas (KU) Jayhawks this past weekend in Puerto Rico.

The national team got their feet wet in exhibition games against the collegiate team ahead of the start of FIBA Pre-Olympic Qualifier in Santiago del Estero, Argentina, August 14-20.

Team Bahamas initially came up short in a head-to-head matchup with the younger team on Saturday, narrowly losing 92-87.

However, in their final game against the Jayhawks, they edged out a 87-81 win.

In game two against the Jayhawks, the national team saw National Basketball Association (NBA) player Gordon take the floor at the Rubèn Rodríguez Coliseum.

The shooting guard was not initially listed on the national team’s roster, but following his release granted by USA Basketball, he suited up for Team Bahamas on Monday. Gordon and Indiana Pacers’ Chavano “Buddy” Hield totaled 16 points together in the first half of basketball and finished the game with 31 points combined.

Despite a strong opening quarter by the Jayhawks leading the national team 24-17, Team Bahamas regained control in the second quarter. In the second period of play The Bahamas outscored Kansas’ squad 29-16 quieting the efforts of KU point guard Dajuan Harris Jr who ended the first half with a team-leading 14 points. Hield upped the ante for the national team in the third quarter, splashing four of his five three-pointers in the period. The shooting guard finished the game with a team-high 19 points after ending his stint in three quarters of play.

The Bahamas’ NBA professional players watched the fourth quarter from the bench including Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton who did not play all weekend. The final minutes of play in the fourth saw KU trailing 82-80 with less than 90 seconds remaining in the contest. The Jayhawks’ Hunter Dickinson and Kevin McCullar Jr both missed critical opportunities down the stretch to tie the ball game. The Bahamas’ Travis Munnings iced a go-ahead three-pointer in front of Jayhawks forward KJ Adams Jr to wrap up their rematch.

The national team ended their win shooting 31/69 on field goals and went 11/35 from behind the arc. Gordon finished his first game with the team with 12 points and shot 45%. Franco Miller, who led the team in scoring in Saturday’s loss, wrapped up with 12 in the game. Team Bahamas had five players score in double digits.

The Jayhawks finished their Puerto Rico trip 2-1 after earning wins against The Bahamas and Puerto Rico in their three games played.

The Bahamas’ national team will now prepare to suit up against Pool A teams starting with Cuba on August 14 as they look to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.