South Sudan’s men’s basketball team clinched their first-ever Olympic victory, overcoming Puerto Rico 90-79 in their opening game of the Paris 2024 Olympics. Carlik Jones led the charge with 19 points, propelling his team to a memorable win in their Olympic debut.
South Sudan, which officially became an independent nation in 2011, had previously failed to qualify for the Olympics in 2016 and 2020.
Their participation in Paris marks a significant milestone, underscored by their victory on Sunday. Head coach Royal Ivey expressed the significance of the win, stating, “We’re not a secret anymore.”
The game was a testament to South Sudan’s growing prowess on the international stage. Marial Shayok contributed 15 points, while Omot added 12 points and six rebounds. Their collective efforts were pivotal in turning the tide in the second half after Puerto Rico led for much of the first.
Puerto Rico suffered a significant setback late in the second quarter when their top scorer, Jose Alvarado, exited the game with a sprained ankle. Although Alvarado returned in the third quarter, finishing with 26 points and five assists, the momentum had shifted. Tremont Waters also made a notable contribution for Puerto Rico with 18 points.
South Sudan’s resilience was evident as they rallied in the second half. Despite trailing for most of the first half, they took control down the stretch, building a 13-point lead with just over three minutes remaining. Their tenacity and teamwork secured a historic victory that signals their emergence as a formidable team on the global stage.
This win comes on the heels of South Sudan’s impressive performance in last year’s World Cup, where they emerged as Africa’s top finisher. Their next challenge in the Olympics will be a matchup against the U.S. on Tuesday, a game that promises to test their mettle further.
South Sudan’s triumph over Puerto Rico is more than just a win; it’s a symbol of their rapid ascent in international basketball and a beacon of hope and pride for their nation.
As they continue their journey in Paris, the world will be watching closely to see what this determined team will achieve next.
