South Sudan vs Puerto Rico Prediction & Betting Tips - Men's Olympic Tournament

Prediction published on 27/07/2024, 03:43  by Kennedy Kechula | Modified on 27/07/2024 at 16:01 in Men's Olympic Tournament Predictions

South Sudan will make their Olympic Games debut in Basketball against Puerto Rico this Sunday in Group C. Will the newbies prevail in a pool which also has USA and Serbia? Let’s have a look at the preview to this match and a prediction.

This is a historic feat for South Sudan basketball, playing in their first Olympic Games coming just 13 years after the basketball federation was established. Last year, they qualified for the FIBA World Cup and won three of five games. They did, however, lose to Puerto Rico in overtime and will be seeking revenge. Royal Ivey’s men have won three of their last five games.

Surprisingly though, one of their two defeats is why many are talking about this team. The Bright Stars were defeated 101-100 by the USA in their last build-up match. Coming so close to defeating the world's basketball powerhouse ignites belief that South Sudan will be one of the teams to watch.

Puerto Rico have made multiple Olympic appearances and have even finished as high as fourth. They will hope this pedigree nudges them past debutants South Sudan as form seems to have eluded them.

The Caribbean nation has lost its last four fixtures, all build-up games against teams that will play in Paris. Nelson Colon’s men were blown out 107-84 by Spain in their last outing. They have struggled offensively and in this poor stretch, they scored over 85 points just once.

Puerto Rico are ending a lengthy absence from the Summer Games. The last time they featured in the Olympics was in 2004 when they lost in the quarter-finals.