Day three of the FIBA Women’s Melanesian Cup 2025 in Honiara, Solomon Islands, showcased two exciting basketball matches. New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea solidified their positions in the tournament with impressive performances.
New Caledonia’s Commanding Victory
New Caledonia opened the day with a strong win against Vanuatu. They surged to a 12–0 run at the end of the first quarter, establishing control early in the game. The team’s aggressive defense forced several turnovers from Vanuatu, culminating in a dominant halftime score of 32–12.
Despite Vanuatu trying to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter, New Caledonia maintained their lead. With consistent scoring, they secured their second win of the tournament. Angelique Ha Ho led the team with an impressive performance of 14 points, complemented by Enola’s 13 points and Mayliss’s 12 points.
After the match, Enola expressed pride in the team, acknowledging their youth and collective spirit, which contributed to the victory. This win was particularly significant for New Caledonia following their previous loss to Papua New Guinea.
PNG Continues Unbeaten Streak
In the second game, Papua New Guinea faced Fiji and continued their unbeaten run in the tournament. PNG took control from the beginning, leading 28–19 at halftime. Their strong defense was highlighted by a remarkable 19 steals, which proved essential in maintaining their lead through the second half.
Nadica Samson was a standout player, scoring 16 points, including two three-pointers. Betty contributed significantly with 12 rebounds and 8 steals, showcasing the team’s overall defensive prowess. Fiji’s Kainamoli managed to lead her side’s scoring efforts with 14 points but could not overcome PNG’s robust defense.
Samson expressed her excitement after the game, noting it was her first tournament representing her country. She acknowledged her nerves early on but emphasized her determination to help the team succeed as they aim for gold.
Upcoming Matches and Tournament Details
- The FIBA Women’s Melanesian Cup is ongoing in Honiara from October 13 to 18.
- Vanuatu will compete against Fiji at 1:30 PM local time.
- Solomon Islands will face Papua New Guinea at 4:00 PM local time.
The tournament is organized by the Solomon Islands Basketball Federation and supported by the National Sports Council. Both qualifying teams will secure spots for the Pacific Games 2027 in Tahiti. Fans can watch the games livestreamed via the FIBA YouTube Channel, courtesy of TTV Solomons Islands.
