Fiji and Papua New Guinea achieved pivotal victories in the ongoing FIBA Melanesian Cup in Honiara. These wins not only showcased their competitive prowess but also highlighted their aspirations for tournament success.
Fiji Dominates Vanuatu
Fiji secured a commanding 123–61 victory against Vanuatu. From the start of the game, Fiji established dominance. Tyrone McLennan was instrumental, scoring 15 points in the first quarter. His strong performance contributed to a significant early lead.
The Fijian defense was relentless, forcing Vanuatu into 42 turnovers and achieving 28 steals. McLennan ended the game with impressive stats: 44 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 6 steals. Notably, he set a Melanesian Cup record with seven three-pointers. Joshua Fox and Filimone Waqabaca added 23 and 18 points, respectively.
- Tyrone McLennan: 44 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 6 steals
- Joshua Fox: 23 points
- Filimone Waqabaca: 18 points
Postgame, McLennan expressed excitement about the win and emphasized the team’s preparation for the next game, labeling it a “do-or-die” situation.
Papua New Guinea Edges New Caledonia
Papua New Guinea (PNG) achieved a thrilling 77–74 victory over New Caledonia. The match was highly competitive, with both teams exchanging leads during the first half. New Caledonia held a slight 34–33 advantage at halftime.
A strong third-quarter performance by New Caledonia saw them execute a 13–2 run. However, PNG demonstrated resilience, closing the gap with improved defensive efforts in the final quarter. The last minute was tense as Harold Elavo and Coni Muri delivered crucial plays, securing the win for PNG.
- Moses Apiko: 21 points, 6 assists
- Apia Muri: 16 points
- Harold Elavo: 15 points
Elavo reflected on the challenging nature of the game while expressing confidence in the team’s next steps.
Upcoming Matches
The FIBA Melanesian Cup continues with upcoming matches featuring Vanuatu against New Caledonia at 11:00 AM local time and Solomon Islands versus Papua New Guinea at 6:30 PM local time. This tournament, hosted by the Solomon Islands Basketball Federations from October 13 to 18, qualifies teams for the Pacific Games 2027 in Tahiti.
All games are available for viewing on the FIBA YouTube Channel, thanks to TTV Solomons Islands.
