Team USA outlast Kuol's Bright Stars

South Sudan, headlined by Sydney Kings' Bul Kuol, fought gallantly in game two of the Paris Olympic Games campaign but lost 103-86 to reigning champions Team USA.

The US jumped out of the blocks quickly at Lille's Pierre Mauroy Stadium on Thursday morning AEST, to lead 26-14 at the end of the first quarter.

A 29-22 quarter by the US saw their lead grow to 19 at the main break.

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But South Sudan, who defeated Puerto Rico for their first-ever Olympic win in game one, fought back in the third - winning the period 21-18 and reducing the deficit to 16.

Unfortunately, the Bright Stars couldn't keep that momentum going in the fourth, with the US winning a high-scoring term 30-29 - to run out winners by 17 points.

In the defeat, Kuol had 16 points (on 6/10 shooting) five rebounds, three assists and three steals, while Bam Adebayo (18 points), Kevin Durant (14) and Anthony Edwards (13) led the way for Team USA.

Next up for South Sudan, which also features King #211 Kuany Kuany and #238 Jackson Makoi, is Serbia on Sunday, August 4 - with the winner likely to secure second spot in Group C.