Carlik Jones scored 19 points as the South Sudan men’s basketball team rallied to beat Puerto Rico 90-79 for their first-ever win in their maiden outing at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Puerto Rico led all through the first half of the contest, but top scorer Jose Alvarado left the court after sustaining an ankle injury.
Although he returned in the third quarter and finished with 26 points, South Sudan held on after taking control.
Marial Shayok also added 15 points, while Nuni Omot contributed 12 points and three assists.
The ‘Bright Stars’ make history! 🇸🇸
In their first-ever Olympic basketball game, South Sudan men’s basketball team defeat Puerto Rico. An amazing accomplishment for the world’s youngest nation.#Paris2024 | #Basketball | @SSBFed pic.twitter.com/Q2mDx3clmC
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 28, 2024
The South Sudanese will meet a star studded United States team in their second group game on Tuesday.
They narrowly lost 101-100 to the Americans in a warm-up game in London last Saturday.
