Dallas Mavericks: Salah Mejri rebounds Tunisia to victory over Angola

Dallas Mavericks center Salah Mejri grabbed 12 rebounds for the Tunisia National Team in their Sept. 16 win over Angola in a 2019 World Cup qualifier.

The Dallas Mavericks continue to prepare for the upcoming season.  Training camp kicks off on Sept. 21 with media day meaning it is just days away.  The Mavs play their first preseason game on Sept. 29 and the regular season begins on Oct. 17.

Until then, Mavericks players have been starring for their national teams in qualifying for the 2019 World Cup.  Today, we focus on Salah Mejri and his Sept. 16 game against a tough Angola squad.

Mejri grabs all the boards

Mejri started and played just over 29 minutes in Tunisia’s 84-64 win on Sunday.  Tunisia was only three points ahead at halftime, but a strong second half saw them pull away from Angola.

Mejri produced six points, 12 rebounds, two steals, and four turnovers on two of ten shooting from the field and two of four on free throws.  His 12 rebounds doubled the total of his second-highest teammate and Angola’s leading rebounder had eight.  Mejri was dominant on the glass and featured a 28 in the plus/minus category.

What’s next?

Tunisia’s second round of qualifying continues from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2.  They play three more contests to wrap up qualifying.  Mejri should be playing with the Mavericks, so he will not be part of the team in those games.

Tunisia has already advanced to the 2019 World Cup with the win over Angola.  That may be Mejri’s next chance to play for his country.  The tournament begins on Aug. 31, 2019.

Final thoughts

Dallas Mavericks reserve center Salah Mejri grabbed a dozen rebounds in Tunisia’s win over Angola.  They finished off this part of the competition with three consecutive wins and Tunisia remains undefeated in qualifying.  Mejri will likely be part of their World Cup squad and should be a crucial part of their success.

He will have to earn minutes off the bench for Dallas this season.  The Mavs have plenty of other center options including a former All-Star and the greatest Maverick ever.  It will not be easy for The Mej to earn his playing time this season, so stay tuned on the developing story.

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