Pacific Championship: Australia drop New Caledonia for second victory

Lauren Scherf

Australia - New Caledonia 93:42

Australia earned the second consecutive victory at the Pacific Championship in New Zealand. They outscored New Caledonia for 2-0 record in preliminary round Group A. Lauren Scherf (195-C-96) stepped up with 21 points and 9 boards for the winning side.
Australia set the tone early in the game. They went on a massive 32:7 run in the first term. Australia maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. Moreover the Aussies piled up a 56:21 halftime advantage. Australia stretched the margin even further in the third term. They secured a massive 51-point advantage heading into the fourth period. New Caledonia and Australia traded baskets throughout the final frame as the outcome was quite obvious at that point. Mikayla Pirini (169-G-96) netted 19 points, while Kristy Wallace (180-G-96) and Alliyah Fareo added 11 points apiece for the winners. Allissonne Laukau responded with 11 points for New Caledonia. Niuaiti had 7 points in the defeat.

Australia: Lauren Scherf 21, Mikayla Pirini 19, Kristy Wallace 11, Alliyah Fareo 11
New Caledonia: Allissonne Laukau 11, Niauiti 7