Paris 2024: South Sudan smother Puerto Rico in second half, clinch inaugural Olympic win

South Sudan - Puerto Rico 90-79

South Sudan celebrated the first ever Olympic Games victory today. They overcame Puerto Rico in their inaugural game at this level. Carlik Jones (185-PG-1997, college: Louisville) tallied 19 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the charge.
Joseph Alvarado (183-PG-1998, college: Georgia Tech) was the hero for Puerto Rico in the first half. He steered his team offensively as Puerto Rico took a 28-20 lead after ten minutes. South Sudan sank 28 points in the second period but still trailed by six points at halftime 54-48 with Joseph Alvarado accounting for 19 points. But the Pelicans guard twisted his ankle late in the first half which proved costly. South Sudan capitalized on his absence early in the second half to mastermind a 14-2 run to surge ahead. South Sudan were in control from there on. Shayok Marial (196-SF-1995, college: Iowa St., agency: Diamond Sports) gave South Sudan a 79-73 lead midway through the fourth frame. JT Thor (206-F-2001, college: Auburn) boost the lead to 10 points and South Sudan marched to the historic win at the end. Shayok Marial finished with 15 points for the winners. Joseph Alvarado answered with 26 points, while Tremont Waters (180-PG-1998, college: LSU) had 18 points in the loss.