Pacific Championship: New Zealand cruise past Papua New Guinea

Aroha Jennings

New Zealand - Papua New Guinea 86:48

New Zealand Maori clinched the first victory at the Pacific Championship in Porirua City. The hosts defeated Papua New Guinea as Aroha Jennings (179-F/G-84, college: Memphis) nailed 20 points.
New Zealand got to a confident start. The Maori unloaded 27 points in the opening quarter and secured a 17-point lead. The hosts boosted the margin in the second term. New Zealand accumulated a 49:20 halftime lead. Papua New Guinea trimmed the deficit in the third term. The visitors got within 23 points at the final intermission. New Zealand quickly recovered in the fourth term scoring 28 points and posting a convincing victory. Samara Gallaher (178-G-92) had 18 points, while Maia Watene chipped in 14 points for the winning side. Emily Koivi replied with 13 points for Papua New Guinea. Betty Angula had 12 points and 10 boards in the defeat.

New Zealand: Aroha Jennings 20, Samara Gallaher 18, Maia Watene 14
Papua New Guinea: Emily Koivi 13, Betty Angula 12+10 boards