Pacific Islanders in NCAA: Tofi and Wily face stiff opponets, Bartley to Sweet 16

- March 14, 2005

POSTED BY: Eurobasket Center

NCAA Division I (Men’s)

Samoan John Tofi played a key role in winning the WAC Tournament, but has his work cut out in the first of the National Tournament. He will be facing in the first round University of Utah and possible number one NBA Draft pick, Australian Andrew Bogut. This is a particular crucial game for Tofi as a great performance against Bogut, could enhance his slim chances for the 2006 NBA Draft.

Fijian Tai Wesley’s team Utah State is expected to face Arizona in the first round, however Tai Wesley is unlikely to be in squad, since he hasn’t played for Utah State so far this year

NCAA Division I (Women’s)

Samoan LaToya Wily could come of the bench as Alcorn State faces a tough match up against Michigan State. Alcorn State is the underdogs in this game.

NCAA Division II (Men’s)

Samoan Chris Bartley’s Mount Olive College is into the Sweet 16 of the National Tournament and Bartley is playing a key role of the bench. Bartley did start for Mount Olive in the beginning of the season, however his energy play is better suited for off the bench. Bartley performance in the CVAC tournament was decent with his 9 points and 3 rebounds in 13 minutes against Barton College his best in the tournament. However he has improved his performances in the National Tournament with 11 points in 19 minutes in the first round against Millersville. His next game is against Salem International in which Mount Olive is favoured to win that game

Tongan Will Taukiuvea college career came to an end with a first round exit from the National Tournament. Despite bowing out of the semi-finals of the RMAC, University of Nebraska – Kearney received an intivitation to play in the National Tournament with a 23-5 regular season record. In the first round of the National Tournament they lost against South Dakota. Taukiuvea scored 11 points

BYU Hawaii were knocked out of the first round of the National Tournament as they lost to Western Washington. Sa Tanuvasa played less than a minute in the game while Guam NT member Vince Estella was not with the team

NCAA Division II (Women’s)

CSU Dominguez Hills only entered the National Tournament for the third time ever, and Western Washington knocked t