Pacific Games 2023: Tonga needs a strong last frame to beat New Caledonia

New Caledonia - Tonga 80-82

Tonga needed a strong last frame to beat New Caledonia at their Pacific Games 2023 opener. They used a 27-17 surge in the last stanza to win 82-80. Both teams exchanged the victories in the first half, whilst New Caledonia took an 8-point lead after three quarters due to a 24-17 rally in the third quarter. Tonga on the other side pushed the tempo for good in the last stanza to win the opener.
Viliami Foketi (193-F/G-1996) top-scored for the winners with 22 points and Marcus Alipate (182-G-1992, college: St.Thomas) produced 17. Jean Chevrin scored 19 points in defeat and Rodrigue Tetainanuarii (203-F/C-1982) notched 15.