PAPUA NEW GUINEA (FIBA U15 Women’s Oceania championship) - Australia walloped Samoa in the opening game of the FIBA U15 Women’s Oceania Championship with a massive 111- 29 victory at the Taurama Aquatic Centre in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

Australia didn’t make it easy with incredible defense and relenting fast break plays, taking a huge 26-8 to end the first quarter and never looked back.

Charlisse Dunn paced the Sapphires attack with 19 points while Piper Dunlop, Kate Deeble, and Paige Price contributed 15,13, and 12 points respectively.

“We’re really happy, and I think we did some things well and some things we need to keep improving on. It was a great start for us, and we hope we can continue to perform this way,” said Australia Head Coach Tracy York.

Australia showcased their passing ability registering a 17-4 advantage in the assist department.

The towering Harmony Harder led Samoa with seven points.

Samoa coach June Tahata acknowledged their slow start but vows to work and improve their game.

“Australia came out strong, defensively and a beautiful transition game, our girls, struggled offensively against their defense so that’s something we can work on.”

In the second game, New Zealand put on a clinic with a dominant 108-15 victory over host Papua New Guinea.

The Aon started the game on a 9-2 run to burst the game wide open and never looked back.

Vitolia Tuilave led a balanced team effort with 16 points, while Melika Samia added 14 points.

NZL had six players in double figures including Simone Barnard, Breeje Schuler, Alana Paewei and Zaaliyah Kailahi-Fulu.

FIBA