Kuol's South Sudan claim historic win against Puerto Rico

South Sudan, headlined by Sydney Kings' Bul Kuol, has claimed its first-ever Olympic men’s basketball win, beating Puerto Rico by 11 points (90-79) 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.

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Carlik Jones scored 19 points for the winners, while Sydney Kings signing Bul Kuol was the standout of the NBL contingent, with 12 points, three rebounds, three assists, two 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.

PART OF HISTORY 🇸🇸#WeTheKings pic.twitter.com/ywdMaUq0G1

— Sydney Kings (@SydneyKings) July 28, 2024

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

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.