POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Julius Barnes
Solomon Islands - Samoa 48:91
Solomon Islands began the South Pacific Games basketball tournament with two straight defeats. In their opening game they faced hosting Samoa and were rallied over 48:91. The outcome was mainly built in the first half when Samoa played tight defence and allowed Solomon Islands to just 12 points. The home side scored 30 points and grabbed an early 30:12 advantage at halftime. Samoa however did not allow Solomon Islands to come any closer after the intermission and drove to a win.
Six Samoa players scored in double figures. Julius Barnes (186-G-81, agency: Octagon, college: Stanford) netted 20 points to lead them. Three players delivered 13 points in a win. Waiges Turueke scored 11 points for Solomon Islands. Goldie Kavi produced 8 points in a losing clause.
Solomon Islands shot 62% from the field and 54% from charity stripe. But they were outrebounded 20:22.
Solomon Islands: Waiges Turueke 11, Goldie Kavi 8
Samoa: Julius Barnes 20, George Leafa 13
Solomon Islands - Guam 50:96
Guam took on Solomon Islands in the second round of action and recorded their second straight success. Guam spurred ahead from the start of the encounter and piled up a 43:22 advantage at halftime. Guam continued to deliver after the break and established a 68:31 lead entering the fourth quarter. They cruised to a confident win at the end and improved to 2-0 record at the tournament.
Anthony Borja paced Guam with 15 points. William Stinnett (186-G-86) and Edward Calvo provided 14 points apiece. Allen Wanefai scored 13 points and pulled down 6 boards for Solomon Islands. Alexander MCfaden added 9 points in a loss.
Guam once again shot 50% from the field. They dominated under the rims outrebounding Solomon Islands 33:28.
Guam: Anthony Borja 15, William Stinnett 14, Edward Calvo 14
Solomon Islands: Allen Wanefai 13+6 boards, Alexander MCfaden 9
