GUAM (FIBA U17 Women’s Oceania Championship 2017) – New Caledonia has taken out the Division B Gold medal in a stunning comeback victory. New Caledonia stunned Tahiti, 73-68 in the first overtime game of the event.

After trailing for most of the game, and then fighting back multiple times in the fourth quarter, New Caledonia’s Leilani Tartas hit a big jumper with 10 seconds left to tie the game and force overtime.

Leilani Tartas leads the fast break

Tartas had 13 points and 5 rebounds, while teammate Clementine Puleoto scored 22 points and 15 rebounds.

Tartas was ecstatic about hitting the shot to send the game to overtime.

“I was very happy, I just put the shot up and hoped it would go down.”

Bringing home a gold medal was not an individual achievement for Tartas.

“I am not alone.  It’s the team that helped each other to win the medal, and we won together.  I am very proud.”

Her most memorable moment of the tournament was hitting that jumper.

“It is something that I will never forget for the rest of my life.”

“Thanks to our coaches, and all the people who helped us get here, with us having the chance to take back a medal to our home.”

The remaining tournament games can be watched live and free here. Don’t forget to check out the event website for the latest scores, news and updates from your team here. 

FIBA