South Sudan basketball team. (Photo: SSBA).

South Sudan lose 101-96 to Puerto Rico in their opening game of the FIBA World Cup despite a dominant display in the first three quarters.

The Bright Stars led the score by 29-24 in the first quarter, 50-40 in the second quarter and 67-52 in the third quarter.

South Sudan, who have reinforced their squad with experienced stars from overseas, could not turn things around in the last quarter although leading in the first three quarters.

Puerto Rico stand at number 19^th in the FIBA ranking while South Sudan is ranked number 62.

The Caribbean nation first debuted in a World Cup in 1957 and played 12 World Championships so far, although they have never won a medal.

South Sudan will also face China on August 28, and Serbia on August 30 in the preliminary rounds of the tournament in the Philippines.

In Juba, thousands of South Sudanese fans watched the game virtually on a big television screen at the Nimra Talata Basketball Court.