YAP -- Guam's Men and Women's basketball teams took home the gold medals in the 2018 Micronesian Games in dominant fashion with a 62-38 and 86-72 win in their respective divisions at the Yap Sports Complex Main Gym yesterday.

Guam defended their 2014 crowns and have qualified for the 2019 Pacific Games with their stellar performance in the quadrennial event.

Joy Pangilinan led a balanced Guam attack with 15 points while Micro Games veteran Destiny Castro added 14 markers that had a tight 31-25 score at the half.

“We had to fight. Our defense came alive in the 3rd quarter and that’s when we really started to play our game and that’s how we built that lead,” said Castro.

Meanwhile, in the Men's game, Mekeli Wesley topscored for Guam with a game-high 22 points while Ben Borja and William Belger added 15 and 12 points respectively.

Wesley imposed his dominance inside scoring six of Guam's opening 9-0 salvo and never looked back.

"I want to thank all the players on this team for playing their hearts out. We are on our way to Pacific Games 2019," said Danny Payumo Men's Head Coach for Micro Games.

Pohnpei and Palau battled for the bronze medal games with both nations qualifying their teams for a podium finish. Palau's Women team narrowly escaped with a 59-57 victory while Pohnpei's Mens team thrilling 72-66 victory.

FIBA