POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Rodrigue Tetainanuarii
New Caledonia - Northern Mariana Islands 89:56
New Caledonian team continued to impress the fans as they posted the third victory at the Oceania championship. This time they dealt with the hosts and booked the second spot after preliminary round. New Caledonia will now face Guam in the semifinal tomorrow. Northern Mariana Islands failed to post a single victory and finished the competition at the bottom of the ladder.
Raymond Weber (195-F-89) fired 28 points and grabbed 7 boards to pace New Caledonia to the victory. Northern Mariana Islands stayed close early in the encounter as the teams were tied at 13 midway through the frame. But New Caledonia went on a 9:0 run to take the lead for good. New Caledonia exploded with 29 points in the second frame to accumulate a massive 27-point lead at halftime. Northern Mariana Islands showed character in the third quarter as cheered up by the fans they outscored the visitors 20:19. But it was just a spark as New Caledonia regained control in the final term and eased to the win at the end.
Rodrigue Tetainanuarii (203-F-82) notched 21 points and 9 boards for New Caledonia. Jean-Jacques Taufana (185-F-86) had 10 points and 13 rebounds in the win. Oscar Ada replied with 12 points and 6 boards for Northern Mariana Islands. Pete Iguel posted 11 points, 7 assists and 5 boards in the losing effort.
New Caledonia: Raymond Weber 28, Rodrigue Tetainanuarii 21, Jean-Jacques Taufana 10+13 boards
CNMI: Oscar Ada 12, Pete Iguel 11
