South Sudan overcomes Puerto Rico, Spain edges out China in Paris Olympics

LILLE, France - South Sudan kicked off their Olympic men's basketball campaign with a convincing 90-79 win over Puerto Rico in Group C while Spain's women defeated China 90-89 in overtime in Group A at the Pierre Mauroy stadium on Sunday.

Puerto Rico dominated the first half with an impressive display of shooting, Jordan Howard hitting three-pointers to give them a six-point lead at the end of the second quarter.

As unstoppable as they looked, however, an ankle injury forced Jose Alvarado to leave the court moments before the break. The New Orleans NBA forward returned for the second half, but it proved to be a turning point as South Sudan grew in confidence to move ahead.

Carlik Jones led the African team's comeback with 19 points, and the crowning moment for South Sudan was Wenyen Gabriel's rousing dunk a minute from time.

Spain's women overcome a tough challenge from China led by Yueru Li, who scored 31 points, rallying in the final quarter to draw level at 76-76 on a three-pointer from guard Leonor Rodriguez with six seconds remaining.

The Spaniards' teamwork paid off as Megan Gustafson and Maria Araujo made the most of their opportunities and Rodriguez sealed the win with a free shot after being fouled 13 seconds from the end of the game.

Kevin Durant's United States will face Nikola Jokic's Serbia in the final men's Group C match and Serbia play Puerto Rico in women's Group A later on Sunday.

—Reuters