South Sudan’s Olympic Hopes dashed as Serbia claims 96-85 win.

Serbia secured a convincing 96-85 win over South Sudan, knocking them out of Olympic playoff contention and paving the way for Greece’s advancement from third place in Group A. Bogdan Bogdanovic led the charge with 30 points, while Nikola Jokic delivered a standout performance with 22 points and 13 rebounds. Despite a valiant effort and numerous highlight-reel plays, South Sudan fell short of their second Olympic win, as Serbia claimed their second consecutive victory.

Bogdan Bogdanovic starred with a game-high 30 points, shooting 10-14 from the field and 6-9 from three-point range, while also contributing 8 assists. Nikola Jokic dominated with a double-double, scoring 22 points on 6-8 shooting and grabbing 13 rebounds. Carlik Jones played a heroic 40-minute game for South Sudan, scoring 17 points on 8-15 shooting, collecting 5 rebounds, and distributing 10 assists. Marial Shayok added 14 points, making 4-10 three-pointers. The game began with a back-and-forth exchange, but Serbia edged ahead 23-22 by the end of the first quarter, setting the stage for their eventual win.

Serbia held a nine-point lead in the second quarter (34-25) before South Sudan mounted an 8-2 surge, prompting Serbia’s coach Svetislav Pesic to call a timeout (36-33). Carlik Jones played the entire first half without a break, scoring the final point to narrow South Sudan’s deficit to three (44-47). In the third quarter, Marial Shayok sank two three-pointers, and Wenyen Gabriel made consecutive baskets under the rim, forcing Serbia to call a timeout with a slim one-point lead (59-58). As the quarter ended, Carlik Jones’ hook shot was initially waved off, but a review counted the basket, giving South Sudan a boost. However, Serbia still led by five with 10 minutes left (72-67).

With 5:45 left in the fourth quarter, Vasilije Micic sank a uncontested three-pointer, and after Carlik Jones lost the ball on the next possession, Filip Petrusev capitalized on the fast break, forcing South Sudan to call a timeout (83-74). South Sudan’s shooting woes continued in the final minutes, while Serbia remained composed, securing the win. The 11-point victory eliminated South Sudan from Olympic playoff contention, as they needed a win or a loss by fewer than 3 points to advance. As a result, Greece advanced as the second-best third-placed team. Serbia will be placed in the second pot for the playoff draw, while Greece will be in the fourth pot.