South Sudan Loses to USA 103-86, But It’s Not Over Yet

In the much anticipated game between Team USA and Team South Sudan at the Paris 2024 Olympics on 31 July 2024, South Sudan lost to USA with a 103-86 score.

🤝 Another great battle with USA! pic.twitter.com/74oFZGtAQD

— South Sudan Basketball (@SSBFed) July 31, 2024

The USA is getting closer towards a 17th men’s basketball gold medal. Bam Adebayo led Team USA with 18 points and five other players found their way into double digits in the 103-86 win over South Sudan. Kevin Durant chipped in 14 points and had three steals, while LeBron James added to 12 points in Team USA’s second victory of the Paris Games.

The USA solidify their position at the top of Group C with four points after this comprehensive victory over South Sudan. Serbia are in second spot with three points after their 107-66 rout against Puerto Rico. South Sudan move down to the third spot with three points due to a points differential, while Puerto Rico inhabit the bottom with two points.

The USA finishes out Group C play against Puerto Rico on 3 August 2024. South Sudan will face Serbia on the same day, which will be an important decider as to which of the two will progress to the next stage based on the current standings.

Group C Standings

1. USA (2-0; +43 point differential)

• 28 July vs Serbia (W, 110-84)
• 31 July vs South Sudan (W, 103-86)

2. Serbia (1-1; +15)

• 28 July vs USA (L, 110-84)
• 31 July vs Puerto Rico (W, 107-66)

3. South Sudan (1-1; -6)

• 28 July vs Puerto Rico (W, 90-79)
• 31 July vs United States (L, 86-103)

4. Puerto Rico (0-2; -52)

• 28 July vs South Sudan (L, 79-90)
• 31 July vs Serbia (L, 66-107)

USA: 26 Q1 / 29 Q2 / 18 Q3/ 30 Q4/ 103 TOT

South Sudan: 14 Q1 / 22 Q2 / 21 Q3/ 29 Q4/ 86 TOT

Regardless of South Sudan’s loss to the USA, they were still celebrated for their impressive skills and excellent athleticism with a group of former NBA players, showcasing blueprint for Olympic success. Many took to social media to express their support for the team.

Really cool scene outside the arena after USA vs. South Sudan. pic.twitter.com/vFXBNtpx36

— Marcus Thompson II (@ThompsonScribe) July 31, 2024

The South Sudan Men’s Basketball story is incredible. The youngest country in the world (established 2011) with a GDP of under $10B.

Former NBA player Luol Deng funded the country’s basketball program (travel, hotels, gyms) for years on his own and believes South Sudan can… pic.twitter.com/TGO8XMTfsJ

— Trung Phan (@TrungTPhan) July 31, 2024

kevin durant at the olympics against south sudan matched up against a whole team of lanky 7-footers pic.twitter.com/FY19OXb8UT

— Karaage P Henson (@KufiJaxon) July 31, 2024

The South Sudan Olympic Basketball team has been fascinating to follow. They are the youngest country in the world, have no indoor gyms and had a civil war that displaced millions.

Yet their basketball team has had the opportunity to play and got their first win ever at the… pic.twitter.com/bSk4oL9H17

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) July 31, 2024

we maintain our steeze. kings don’t flinch. pic.twitter.com/Im0N3Sd2Is

— Awet Thon (@awetthon) July 31, 2024