Day 1 of the South Pacific Mini Games

- July 25, 2005

POSTED BY: Eurobasket Center

Men’s Recap

Game 1: Fiji defeated Papua New Guinea 65-40

Fiji started their SPMG campaign with a strong display against PNG, in their opening game. The Fijian’s started strong taking a 23-8 lead by half time. Even though PNG came a mini comeback in the second, the Fijians did not allow them to come back and extended the lead in the second half. Leonard Whippy top scored for the Fijians with 15 points, while he had strong support from Sakiusa Rokedi with 10 points, 6 rebounds and 5 steals; and Setareki Tuilevuka with 10 points. From PNG, Harold Elavo had 7 points and 3 steals while Ben Elavo had 6 points and 5 rebounds.

Game 2: Guam defeated FS Micronesia 79-74

In a game that wasn’t anticipated to such a close game, Guam just edged FSM in the final quarter. After taking commanding lead in the second and third quarter, FSM had a strong fourth quarter but it wasn’t enough to pull an upset. Reggie Rechebong top scorer for Guam with 15 points, Willie Stinnett added 14,Scott Stern and Seve Susuico both scored 11 point apiece. For FSM Kelvin Sam top scored with 28 points, while Tomasi Mavi and Daystone Roby scored 16 and 15 points respectively.

Game 3: New Caledonia defeated Marshall Islands 73-46

All that New Caledonia needed was one half to put the result beyond doubt. With the halftime score 35-11 in favour of New Caledonia , they relaxed in the second half for convincing start in the SPMG. Fabrice Chaliot top scored for New Caledonia with 16 points while substitute Laurent Bernier added 10 points. For the Marshall Islands Bolear Bonka had 12 points and 6 rebounds while Rodney Langrus had 10 points.

Game 4 Palau defeated Solomon Islands 71-63

A blistering final quarter by Palau, earn an great comeback victory for the host nation in the