POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Latoya Wily
Tahiti - Papua New Guinea 53:40
Tahiti team remains with the chances of qualifying for the title game in Samoa. They posted another two successful games at the preliminary round and now occupy the second spot in the ladder just behind Fiji. Tahiti overcame Papua New Guinea on September 1st. Both teams needed a win to stay in the race and neither was about to surrender. The first half was a fierce battle of well motivated squads. Papua New Guinea emerged leading by just 3 points at halftime 20:17. However Tahiti found the needed rhythm later in the game and turned things around. They outscored their opponents 18:7 in the third stanza and entered the fourth quarter ahead by 8 points 35:27. Papua New Guinea was not ready to change gear and were left behind. Tahiti never slowed down en route to their second win at the tournament.
Alizee Lefranc led well-balanced Tahiti offence with 15 points. Vaeana Nautre contributed 8 points in a win.
Tahiti - Samoa 57:53
Tahiti then faced the home team and celebrated a tough victory. The teams were well matched early in the game and Tahiti just managed to spur in front to a 28:25 distance at halftime. But once again the third frame appeared to be the key one for Tahiti. They tightened the defense and edged the hosts 19:9 to ensure a 47:34 advantage at the start of the final quarter. Samoa bounced back in the dying stages of the game as they dominated on the court and nearly tied the scoreline. But Tahiti went out victorious and improved to 3-1 record in the ladder.
Maea Lextreyt topscored for Tahiti with 19 points. Orama Laille had 10 points for the winners. Latoya Wily (183-C-86) replied with 17 points for the home side.
Tahiti converted 36% of field goals and 68% of free throws in a winning effort.
Tahiti - Papua New Guinea 53:40
Tahiti: Alizee Lefranc 15, Vaeana Nautre 8
PNG: Peggy Muri 16, Nape Waka 13
Tahiti - Samoa 57:53
Tahiti: Maea Lextreyt 19, Orama Laille 10
Samoa: Latoya Wily 17
