South Sudan suffered an 83-115 defeat against Serbia at the FIBA Basketball World Cup, leaving the Bright Stars in a difficult position as they chase a place in the next round.
Their path forward now rests on the outcome of Puerto Rico's final group game against China later on Thursday. South Sudan's earlier 89-69 victory over the Chinese in Manila, their second winless opponent after an opening loss to Serbia, gave them the head-to-head edge, but the group standings leave no margin for error.
Puerto Rico currently hold second place in the group. If China beat Puerto Rico, South Sudan will stay in the running, though further arithmetic will still be required to confirm progression.
China, the side South Sudan already thrashed, face a daunting task against Puerto Rico and are not widely expected to claim the result they need. South Sudan's players will wait on the afternoon tip-off knowing their World Cup fate is no longer in their own hands.
