PAPUA NEW GUINEA (FIBA Women's Melanesia Basketball Cup 2017) - Papua New Guinea has been the team to beat at the FIBA Women's Melanesia Basketball Cup 2017, this is due in part to the play of long time PNG Women's player Betty Angula.

Angula has been the backbone of the PNG Women's national team for years, this year's event is no different. 

FIBA.basketball caught up with Angula after today's 50-point win over the Solomon Islands. She expressed her excitement about the upcoming Melanesia Cup Final.

"It's an awesome feeling for the team and it will be a memorable moment that we won't forget. We have put in a lot of time and effort so it will be rewarding."

"Personally, I've put my studies on hold to make sure I am prepared with the team for this tournament so it will be very rewarding if we win."

Angula shared what she thinks has made this team so successful.

"We have a mixture of experience and youth so we have role models who are working with the young players which will help strengthen the png program in the future. Our team is fast so our up the court defense is what we do well."

Angula shared the passion she has for representing Papua New Guinea.

"Personally representing my country is always a dream come true. I have a lot of things that I need to balance in my life like my studies and basketball but I have good people around me that can help me stay focused so I can manage."

PNG will play Fiji tomorrow for a chance to keep the first ever FIBA Melanesia Cup here at home.

FIBA