HONIARA (Solomon Islands) - The FIBA Women’s Melanesian Cup 2025 tipped off at Friendship Hall in Honiara, Solomon Islands, with Papua New Guinea setting the tone early in the tournament after an emphatic 82–36 victory over Vanuatu.
Both teams came out strong in the opening quarter, trading baskets in a tightly contested start that ended 13–11 in favour of PNG. However, Papua New Guinea found their rhythm in the second period, tightening their defence and converting transition opportunities to close the half with a 30–20 lead.
After the break, PNG’s momentum surged as they opened the third quarter with a decisive 24–2 run, effectively putting the game out of reach. Despite spirited efforts from Vanuatu’s Christina Kasten, who led her team with 13 points, Papua New Guinea’s depth and intensity proved too much to handle. The lead expanded to 27 points by the end of the third, showcasing PNG’s dominance on both ends of the floor. Vanuatu struggled to maintain possession throughout the game, committing 36 turnovers that heavily impacted their offensive rhythm and allowed PNG to capitalise in transition.
Betty Wong spearheaded the win with a standout two-way performance, recording 15 points and 4 steals. Lynette Tongia added 14 points, while Jackie Asiba was a force in the paint with 15 rebounds. Betty Angula also contributed across the board with 9 rebounds and 7 assists, underscoring PNG’s balanced team effort. With this strong opening performance, Papua New Guinea have sent a clear message that they are a strong contender for this year’s Melanesian Cup.
New Caledonia was too strong for the host side, Solomon Islands (63-30), in the second women’s match of the tournament. New Caledonia started off with a strong man-to-man defence, holding Solomon Islands in the back court three times in the first quarter. Enola An Ah Tchung led the team with 14 points, 6 steals and 1 block over the game, with strong performances by Angelique Ha Ho, Adeline Souque, and Laura Tui.
Solomon Islands put up a fight against New Caledonia, but were defeated in the first quarter (22-3) and couldn’t catch up. Britney Gwen Basia got the crowd cheering, scoring 12 points and 5 steals, followed by Ruth Slade with 7 points and 4 assists.
The FIBA Women’s Melanesian Cup continues tomorrow with New Caledonia taking on Papua New Guinea at 1:30 PM (local time), and Fiji coming up against Solomon Islands at 6:30 PM (local time).
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.
All games are livestreamed via the FIBA YouTube Channel courtesy of TTV Solomons Islands.
FIBA