GUAM (FIBA U17 Oceania Championship 2017) – The third and final day of pool play was full of outstanding individual performances.

New Caledonia took on the Palau men’s team in a hard-fought battle. Palau was able to hang with the bigger New Caledonian side for most of the game. Despite putting up their greatest scoring effort of the tournament Palau couldn’t take home the win. Melvin Loxee of New Caledonia put up an impressive 18 points and pulled down an even more impressive 27 rebounds. New Caledonia and Palau will both be battling it out for medals tomorrow, with the Division B Gold to feature New Caledonia and Bronze to feature Palau. 

Australia continued its unbeaten run, taking care of a spirited Samoan side with ease. Australia’s Sam Froling showed his dominance today, collecting a 23 point and 15 rebound double double. Dru-Leo Leusogi Ape led the way for Samoa with 13 points and a vicious chase down block, but was unable to stop the Australian scoring power falling 142-34.

Tahiti faced the home team, Guam, in a very physical matchup. Jason Diaz and Gabriel ‘Takumi’ Simon led the Guam team scoring effort by racking up 17 points apiece, however, the game-high scoring title belonged to Arutahi Teore of Tahiti with 31 points. Guam was able to withstand Tahiti’s constant runs with tough defense and a boost from the home fans finishing with the win, 118-74. Tahiti will now set their sights on Division B gold against New Caledonia.

New Zealand closed out pool play with a matchup against the Marshall Islands. Marshall Islands put forth a good effort with Carmel Toeing grabbing six rebounds and teammate, Justin Stovall, leading his team with 11 points but New Zealand cruised to the win improving to 3-0. Max De Geest led the charge for New Zealand with 19 points and 4 assists. Marshall Island will still have a chance to take home a medal during the Division B bronze medal match.

Wednesday's Results

New Caledonia 65-41 Palau

Australia 142-34 Samoa

Guam 118-74 Tahiti

New Zealand 125-33 Marshall Islands

Thursday’s Games

Division B Bronze – Marshall Islands v Palau

Division B Gold – Tahiti v New Caledonia

FIBA