South Sudan makes Olympic history

South Sudan has claimed its first ever Olympic men’s basketball win, beating Puerto Rico by nine points on Sunday night, Australian time.

With four NBL stars in action, the Bright Stars overcame a six-point half-time deficit to eventually win by 11, outscoring their opponents 42-25 in the final two quarters.

SOUTH SUDAN WIN! 🇸🇸
SOUTH SUDAN WIN! 🇸🇸
SOUTH SUDAN WIN! 🇸🇸 pic.twitter.com/eknldHpZxV

— South Sudan Basketball (@SSBFed) July 28, 2024

Carlik Jones scored 19 points for the winners, while Sydney Kings signing Bul Kuol was the standout of the NBL contingent, with 12 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and a block.

Majok Deng (Tasmania JackJumpers) played 15 minutes on the night, while Sunday Dech (Adelaide 36ers) and Jackson Makoi (Cairns Taipans) were used sparingly.

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It was a history-making night for the South Sudanese, who only joined FIBA in 2013, two years after becoming an independent state.

Bul Kuol.

The Bright Stars played in their first World Cup last year and are now doing their nation proud in Paris.

Next up, they’ll take on Team USA, going in with plenty of confidence after pushing a group of NBA superstars to a solitary point in an exhibition game last week.

SOUTH SUDAN 90 (JONES 19, SHAYOK 15, KUOL 12, OMOT 12)
PUERTO RICO 79 (ALVARADO 26, WATERS 18 CONDITT IV 13)