KOROR (Palau) - The FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League - Oceania Conference 2, Stop 1, delivered an electrifying showcase of rising basketball talent, with teams from across the region battling it out. From dominant performances to nail-biting finishes and unexpected upsets, the tournament provided plenty of drama and excitement.
Women's Conference 2: New Contenders Emerge
The women's bracket saw some intense early matchups that set the tone for the day. Samoa wasted no time making a statement, out-muscling and out-playing the defending 2023 Pacific Games 3x3 champions, Tahiti, in a powerful display of force.
In a Micronesian clash, the Northern Mariana Islands (NMI) asserted their dominance over the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), securing a decisive 10-point victory. The second session kicked off with a thrilling encounter between Tahiti and Tonga, who went blow for blow. Team Tonga dug deep, showcasing incredible resilience to snatch a narrow one-point win, 10-9.
The Solomon Islands came out strong against NMI, holding their nerve in a physical contest to secure a 15-10 win. Tonga continued their impressive run, holding off a fast-finishing Samoa to notch up their second win, 17-15, and secure a spot in the final.
In what proved to be a surprise packet for the event, the Solomon Islands continued their form, holding on to win against FSM 19-16, a victory that remarkably booked them a spot in the final.
Women's Final: Tonga Claims the Crown
The final of the FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League – Oceania Conference 2 STOP 1 Women's tournament pitted Tonga against the much-improved Solomon Islands outfit. In an even and highly physical match, Tonga ultimately took the 'W', winning the final 18-13. Tonga's player, Ana Enari, shared her thoughts post-game …
Men's Conference 2: Battle of the Powerhouses
The men's competition was equally compelling, featuring a series of hard-fought contests. The first session saw a Polynesian powerhouse clash as Tahiti narrowly edged out Samoa by three points in a tightly contested affair. Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) made their presence felt, putting their conference teams on notice by reaching 21 points while keeping Northern Mariana Islands (NMI) to 14.
A thrilling encounter unfolded between the Solomon Islands and Tahiti. Sols flew out of the blocks early, but Tahiti arm-wrestled their way back into the contest, with only one point separating the teams heading into the final minute. Despite an impressive two-pointer from Solomon Islanders in the dying seconds, Tahiti held their composure to clinch a narrow 19-18 victory.
The Samoa versus NMI match was a tight tussle from start to finish. The men from NMI ultimately triumphed 21 to 19, securing the win with a crucial two-pointer laid down with just 30 seconds remaining.
The Solomon Islands against Tonga game was fast and furious, with both teams building confidence as the match progressed. With nothing separating them in regulation time, the game went into the first overtime of the day, where Tonga emerged victorious 15-13.
Men's Final: Tahiti Dominates for the Title
Stamping their authority on the competition, Tahiti shot their way through to a commanding finals victory over Samoa in the FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League – Oceania Conference 2 STOP 1 Men's final, winning 21-12.