POSTED BY: Eurobasket Center
The perennial champion of Tahiti, AS Aorai, won its 4th consecutive Pacific Champions Cup, 5th overall, against the caledonian champion Vallee-du-Tir 64-55 in New Caledonia. Aorai will have another run in the French Cup.
Despite playing in front of an hostile crowd, the tahitians were a great start in this game against the Caledonian champions and were already leading 24-9 after the opening quarter. A great shooting game, a domination in the paint and a suffocating defense. The coach was delighted by his players performances.
"It's great do claim another Tahiti league-Pacific Cup chelem. The players made a good game" said a smiling Pierre Villant. "We were dominating on the boards and took an early lead. You have to congratulate our captain, Honoura Bonnet. He made one of his best game, he was everywhere on both ends of the court. He was a great floor general and his plays were inspirational for his teamates. We will now enjoy the Christmas season at home before going back to our training session to be ready for the French Cup".
The JSVDT players finally woke up but Aorai managed to keep the lead and the score was 49-40 at the beginning of the final quarter. Caledonian Stephane Saminadin scored 8 points in a row to bring his team ahead (49-51). The game was about to choose its winner but Novick Teniaro and Honoura Bonnet both scored two important three-point shots to smash the caledonian hopes. Aorai was leading 58-51 and would keep the lead until the final buzzer. The players invaded the court to celebrate the team's fourth consecutive win in this Pacific Champions Cup and the qualification for the French Cup.
"I think I made a good game but every player was important." said Honoura Bonnet. "We played our way despite a little lack of confidence because we were not at our best physically. JSVDT made a bad first quarter while we were already playing well. We stayed in the game even when Vallee took the lead in the fourth period. This win is a great thing before heading to the French Cup".
This is the fifth win in this tournament for AS Aorai (1999, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006) and the team earned a spot to play in the 6th round of the 2007 French Cup. This round is scheduled in February.
JSVDT - Aorai: 55-64 (28-35)
JSVDT:
Fabrice Chaliot 17pts
Stephane Saminadin 16pts
Benoit Weber 6pts
Benjamin Gutte 5pts
Gerard Girier-Dufournier 4pts
Marc Lemo 4pts
Jean-Baptiste Fuller 2pts
Moana Mana 1pts
Jean-Claude Chaliot 0pts
Yann Mathelon 0pts
coach: Eric Saminadin
Aorai:
Honoura Bonnet 18pts
Novick Teniaro 15pts
Beo Tetuaiteroi 13pts
Heimana Gibson 8pts
Marere Coquil 4pts
Didier Laille 2pts
Heimana Teamotuaitau 2pts
Larry Teriitemataua 1pts
Marere Tuheiava 1pts
Thierry Cormier 0pts
coach: Pierre Villant
