HONIARA (Solomon Islands) - Guam have successfully defended their 2019 Pacific Games gold medal with a one-point win over Fiji.

In the gold medal rematch from four years ago in Samoa, Guam out muscled a determined Fijian outfit.  “It feels amazing, we won this back in 2019, it feels good to defend that gold medal, we are ecstatic, as a team, man, no words can explain,” Guam big man, Ben Borja II said.

Heading into the final day of competition, team Guam had only dropped one game, unexpectedly, against Micronesian neighbours, Palau. 

They had met Fiji during pool matches, where they won 21-16.  It is what they learnt in this match, that they planned their gold medal defence on.

“We have been looking at stats, and watching other teams play," Borja II said.  "When we go back to the hotel, we prepare for our next games, and write up our plays based on what we have learnt.” 

“That’s how we prepared, and that’s how we were able to get gold again.”

Both teams were made up of players from the 5x5 Pacific Games competition which wrapped up the previous week, with Fiji winning gold over Guam.  Except this time Guam had one player fly in specifically for 3x3, Michael Sakazaki.  With his fresh legs, combined with the accuracy of Reo Aiken, and Mark Johnson, the men from Guam were poised for success, and will return home 2023 Pacific Games gold medallists.

We asked Ben Borja II ‘what now?’ he responded, “Go home, eat, and rest.  It’s been a really long tournament, and I just can’t wait to see my family.”

New Caledonia were too strong for Papua New Guinea in the bronze medal match, 21-5.  Their first ever 3x3 Pacific Games podium finish.

Finishing sixth at the previous edition of the event, the New Caledonian’s have been working hard on their 3x3 game with training camps leading into the Pacific Games, refining their craft to only drop one game, which was the semi-final against Fiji.

“We have been working on 3x3 a lot,” Joan Delaunay-Belleville said.  “Our coach has been working hard with us, and we have been trying to play as much 3x3 as we can to prepare for these Pacific Games.”

It was a gallant effort by Papua New Guinea as well, in 2019 they finished last (12th).  With fourth place this time around, we know they will be chasing a podium spot at 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti.

For competition schedule, results, and standings, CLICK HERE

The Pacific Games were hosted by the Solomon Islands from November 19 - December 2, 2023.  This was the second time 3x3 has been included in the Games.