Atlanta nonprofit breaks world record for longest basketball game

FAIRBURN, Ga. - A group of metro Atlanta basketball players are now the proud owners of a new Guinness world record for one unusual game.

The players with Men Opposing Sex Trafficking had been on the court since Sunday morning, playing nonstop to break the record for the longest continuous basketball game.

At 10 a.m. on Friday, the men officially made history, smashing the record with a final score of 13,096 to 12,972. 

What we know:

The group, who already have the record for the longest continuous basketball game, isn't just dedicated to beating the record. They're also in to raise awareness of their cause - encouraging men to take a stand against sex trafficking.

The 24 players are required to stay in the gym nearly the entire time and will have to eat and sleep on the court. An exception is made for five-minute bathroom breaks, which can be taken every two hours.

There are no quarter breaks or timeouts.

Organizers say a minimum of five players must be on the court at all times and groups of six will play in two-hour shifts throughout the day with alternating five-hour shifts for sleeping overnight.

A player rests during the game (FOX 5)

Any player who has six fouls in a two-hour window will be disqualified. Only one man has been forced to drop out so far because of an injury.

What they're saying:

Going into Friday, the players said they were tired but remain in good spirits.

"The hardest part for me has been playing and then having to rest," player Candler McBrayer said. "Obviously you have to rest, and then getting back up from the rest, because you're extremely sore, and your muscles are cold, and it takes a minute to get them fired up, so the pain that comes from that."

A team helped the players the entire time they played, making sure they had food and other supplies on hand. There also had to be witnesses, referees, and score keepers. 

Journey Rutherford said she had nine family members taking part, and she was happy to assist. 

"How could we be tired when what they’re doing is so much more than what we’re doing? And being a part of this is just an honor and a privilege, just to step up here and say ‘I’m going to support you guys and what they’re doing,'" she said.