Bright Starlets beat Brazil 63-61 in overtime thriller

Author: Michael Daniel | Published: 20 hours ago

Bright Starlets debutant Moira Joiner shined at point guard with 13 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. The Leganés guard also brings EuroCup experience from Baxi Ferrol.

South Sudan’s Bright Starlets have stunned Brazil with a 63-61 overtime victory in their opening Group A match at the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament in Guadalajara, Mexico.

The South Sudanese side made a strong start at Arena Astros, taking a 24-12 lead after the opening quarter. Brazil responded in the second quarter, restricting South Sudan to just five points and cutting the deficit to 29-26 at halftime.

Brazil continued to fight back in the second half, outscoring South Sudan 19-13 in the third quarter and 16-14 in the fourth to force overtime with the scores level. South Sudan then held its nerve in the extra period, scoring seven points against Brazil’s five to secure a two-point victory.

Adut Bulgak was South Sudan’s standout performer, finishing with 33 points, while Brazil’s Aaliyah Guyton led her team with 14 points.

The closely contested game featured six lead changes and six ties, with South Sudan leading for 39 minutes and 52 seconds compared with just three minutes and three seconds for Brazil.

The African side also received a significant contribution at the point guard position from debutant Moira Joiner, who finished with 13 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. Joiner plays in Spain’s top division with Leganes and already has Euro-Cup Women experience with Baxi Ferrol.

The victory gives South Sudan an important early advantage in Group A of the tournament, which runs from August 17 to 23 in Guadalajara.

South Sudan is scheduled to face Argentina on Tuesday, August 18, at 23:30, according to the FIBA schedule.

The tournament brings together eight national teams competing for progress on the road toward the 2028 Olympic Games.