South Sudan scores breakthrough FIBA World Cup win, sends China to 0-2

It was elusive in the first game, but debuting South Sudan made sure to nail its first-ever FIBA World Cup win in its second outing as it walloped China, 89-69, in the ongoing 2023 edition on Monday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

South Sudan improved to 1-1 while China was sent reeling to its second loss in as many games in Group B.

The Chicago Bulls' Carlik Jones once again stepped up for South Sudan, drilling 21 points, six assists, and two rebounds while Kuany Ngor Kuany chipped in 16 markers, four dimes, and two steals as they recovered from a loss to Puerto Rico last Saturday.

Nuni Omot and Marial Shayok chimed in with 14 and 13 points apiece.

The Minnesota Timberwolves' Kyle Anderson, also known as Li Kaier, bounced back from a scoreless showing in China's previous loss to Serbia as the US-born cager dropped 22 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

China joined the Philippines as the two Asian teams with 0-2 slates so far in the tournament. Both teams are in the race to become the top Asian team in the competition, and with it a slot to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

South Sudan will next face Serbia on Wednesday while China takes on Puerto Rico.

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The Philippines, meanwhile, returns to action against Italy on Tuesday.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News