Pacific Games 2023: Fiji upset reigning champions, claim the title

Guam - Fiji 47:51

Fiji upset Guam in the Final of the Pacific Games 2023. The Fijians almost did not make the competition, being offered a wild-card entry to make the tournament in Honiara and managed to seal the trophy with a 51-47 win. Guam have been the dominant side in the Pacific for the last decade, claiming the last two Pacific Games gold medals. They led 4 points at the halftime however could not keep the advantage. Fiji won the third quarter 15-9 and closed the campaign with a narrow defensive 4-2 run.
Filimone Waqabaca (185-PG-2001) stepped up with 17 points and Marques Whippy (192-PF-1986, college: BYU-Hawaii, agency: BIG) notched 10. Tai Wesley (201-F-1986, college: Utah St.) replied with 16 points in the losing effort and Reo Aiken netted 9.