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South Sudan secured its first Olympic basketball win against Puerto Rico at Pierre Mauroy Stadium.
Africa witnessed a groundbreaking moment in sports history as South Sudan secured its first-ever Olympic basketball victory defeating Puerto Rico 90-79 at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium.
The win not only highlights South Sudan's emerging prowess in basketball but also stamps their authority as the newest powerhouse from the continent.
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From the starting whistle, South Sudan displayed a tenacity that belied their newcomer status on the Olympic stage.
Despite Puerto Rico's initial lead South Sudan's resilience shone through with an 11-0 run, overturning a nine-point deficit and setting the pace for the rest of the match.
The stadium, packed with nearly 27,000 fans erupted in jubilation as the final buzzer sounded marking a celebration that resonated far beyond the confines of the arena.
The victory was not just about a game won, but a historical milestone for a nation that has faced numerous challenges since its inception in 2011.
South Sudan's strategic gameplay was exemplified by coach Royal Ivey’s decision to trust young talent, notably 21-year-old JT Thor.
Thor’s crucial four points in the closing minutes widened the lead, setting the stage for Carlik Jones to deliver a three-pointer that decisively put the game out of Puerto Rico's reach.
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Jones, not just a player but a closer, made 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists leading his team with minimal turnovers.
The physical dominance of South Sudan was clear as they out-rebounded Puerto Rico 55-37.
Their supremacy in rebounding was complemented by an aggressive defense that limited Puerto Rico to just 2 second-chance points compared to their own 24.
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Another standout Nuni Omot not only contributed significantly with his score but also made history by scoring the team's first points in the Olympic competition.
This victory was a redeeming moment for South Sudan, who learned from their previous encounter with Puerto Rico at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 where they suffered a heart-wrenching overtime loss.
South Sudan face formidable opponents in their remaining Group C games including basketball giants the United States and Serbia.
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These matches will test their resilience and ability to perform under pressure, critical factors if they aim to advance to the quarter-finals.
For Puerto Rico the loss means they are now under pressure to secure victories against these strong teams to keep their quarter-finals hopes alive.
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