POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
New Zealand - Tahiti 65:62
New Zealand Maori registered the second straight win at the Pacific Championship. They narrowly defeated Tahiti for 2-0 record in Group B. Aroha Haumaha (178-F-86) scored 20 points to pace the winning side.
New Zealand earned a 16:12 lead after ten minutes of action. The Maori held their opponents to just 6 points in the second period and accumulated a 25:18 halftime advantage. Tahiti picked up the tempo in the third term. They got within 4 points at the final intermission. Tahiti erased the deficit late in the regulation. Alizee Lefrance put them in front 62:61 but Aroha Haumaha sank four free throws in the dying seconds and sealed the win for New Zealand. Jarryd Watene (170-G-89) netted 10 points and 8 rebounds, while Samara Gallaher (178-G-92) added 9 points for the winners. Alizee Lefrance responded with 24 points for Tahiti. Orama had 12 points in the defeat.
New Zealand: Aroha Haumaha 20, Jarryd Watene 10, Samara Gallaher 9
Tahiti: Alizee Lefrance 24, Orama 12
