POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Talanoa Smith
Solomon Islands defeated by Tahiti 35-76
Tahiti after a very tough game the day before against Guam, were able to cruise past Solomon Islands. The Tahitians were able to use this game to give some minutes to some of their younger bench players and rest their starters. The Solomon Islands will definitely get better as the tournament continues but they cannot afford to drop any more games.
Top Scorers
Tahiti - Rahitarii Teriierooiterai (15 points)
Solomon Islands - Waige Turueke (11 points)
Samoa defeated by Guam 72-79
The Samoan's came out fighting against a Guam team that were out to get back in the winner's circle after their loss to Tahiti the day before. The lead went back and forth until the last quarter where Guam stepped up their full court pressure and came up with steals which they were able to convert to take out the game.
Top Scorers
Guam - Joseph Blas (183-G/F) Jr (22 points)
Samoa - Ratu Levi (22 points)
New Caledonia defeated by Fiji 58-79
Fiji with an easy win over Nauru on day 1 were first out of the blocks with a few quick baskets but the New Caledonians found their form and were able to get it back to 8 by the end of the first quarter. The Fijians never really looked in trouble though and were able to win the game convincingly.
Top Scorers
Fiji - Joshua Fox and Mataika Koyamainavure (17 points)
New Caledonia - Rodrigue Tetainnuarii (16 points)
American Samoa defeated by PNG 65-90
The home crowd did not falter giving their countrymen and women a show to remember. They didn't look back from the start and were able to cruise to a convincing win. They were just too big and too fast for the American Samoan's but this being their first game after a rest day on Day 1 the American Samoa's will be out to prove they are no easy beats and get back into the winning bracket.
Top Scorers
PNG - Matiineng-Iakah Matiineng-Iakah Leahy (190-G/F-97) (22 points)
American Samoa - Talanoa Smith (188-G) (15 points)
Courtesy of: Pacific Games
