HONIARA (Solomon Islands) - The FIBA Women’s Melanesian Cup 2025 crowns its champion on Saturday, October 18 at 3:30 PM (GMT+11), when Papua New Guinea and Fiji collide for gold at Friendship Hall.
The road to the final
Papua New Guinea arrive unbeaten, blending relentless defense with timely shooting. They survived an OT classic vs New Caledonia, then defeated Fiji in the group phase and closed pool play with a commanding win over Solomon Islands.
Scorers Betty Wong, Nadica Samson, and Lynette Tongia have shared the load, but the entire team has stepped up in this run.
Fiji surged late to book their place, thundering past Solomon Islands and then Vanuatu in a statement win built on pressure defense and waves of second-chance opportunities.
Estelle Kainamoli has starred for Fiji, leading the team in points (14.3 per game) and rebounds (10.3 per game), sharing the spot as steals leader (4.3 per game), and only second in assists (3.3 per game).
Numbers that matter (tournament averages)
PNG holds a slight advantage in scoring: 69.0 points per game to Fiji’s 65.0.
PNG scores 27.8 points off turnovers vs Fiji 23.8 - a potential swing category.
Bench depth: PNG 41.3 bench points per game vs Fiji 32.0 - fresh legs to change or control the tempo can be crucial.
Rebounding/size tilt Fiji: Total boards 63.8 (Fiji) to 61.0 (PNG); Fiji also lead in blocks (4.0) and defensive rebounds (38.5).
Live-ball pressure PNG: 21.3 steals per game to Fiji’s 18.3; PNG also protect the ball better (20.8 turnovers vs Fiji 27.5 turnovers).
Rivalry on the line
Both teams have featured in both previous Women's Melanesian Cups in 2017 and 2022. Papua New Guinea won the first edition in 2017, while Fiji came back to get their revenge in 2022.
It will be a historic victory for whichever team hangs on to the lead at the final buzzer.
The FIBA Women's Melanesian Cup is being hosted by the Solomon Islands Basketball Federations in Honiara from October 13 to 18. The event is supported by the National Sports Council, with the two teams qualifying for the Pacific Games 2027 in Tahiti.
FIBA