Bright Stars shine, Te Rangi stands Tall

South Sudan has kept its hopes of playing at the 2024 Olympics alive, after another memorable win at the FIBA World Cup.

Boasting several NBL talents, the Bright Stars defeated the Philippines in the tournament's 17-32 classification, winning 87-68 on Thursday night, Australian time. 

Basketball's youngest nation became the first African team in the tournament with two victories, as Tasmania JackJumpers player Majok Deng played a key role, with 13 points and seven rebounds. 

Adelaide 36er Sunday Dench played 15 minutes in the win, while uncontracted big man Deng Acuoth also enjoyed extended court time.

Carlik Jones was the standout for South Sudan, going agonisingly close to a triple-double, with 17 points, 14 assists and nine rebounds. 

Former Adelaide player Kai Sotto scored eight points and pulled down five rebounds in 23 minutes of game time for the Philippines. 

The Bright Stars are still in the hunt for the Olympic qualifying tournaments and now face a vital clash against fellow African nation Angola on Saturday at 6pm AEST. 

South Sudan 87 (Jones 17, Deng 13, Omot 13)
Philippines 68 (Clarkson 24, Ramos 20, Edu 12)

New Zealand captain and South East Melbourne player Reuben Te Rangi was the star for the Tall Blacks, despite their 100-108 defeat at the hands of Mexico.

Te Rangi continued his outstanding form at the FIBA World Cup, scoring 32 points on 11-of-16 shooting. 

Returning New Zealand Breakers star Finn Delany finished with 19 points, while Melbourne United's Shea Ili registered 10 assists, to go with 18 points. 

The Tall Blacks will play Egypt on Saturday night at 6.45pm AEST.

Mexico 108 (Cruz 27, James 17, Ibarra 16, Girón 16)
New Zealand 100 (Te Rangi 32, Delany 19, Ili 18)