KOROR (Palau) - Tonga came out of the break with unwavering confidence at Stop 4 of the FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League – Oceania, Conference 2. Every team came out of the break re-energised and prepared for high-octane matches. Many games came down to the classic contest between size and shooting, with teams reverting to the fundamentals out of the day off.
Women’s Conference 2: Athleticism and Physicality on Full Display
SAM v. TAH: Tahiti versus Samoa was an impressive match-up of speed and athleticism. The game was tight all the way through, scores tied 9-9 at the midway point. Samoa held a 14-11 lead coming out of the final time out, and the game was once again tied up 17-17 with 30 seconds left. It was Samoa who pulled through, with a score followed by a quick steal to close out the game, taking the win 19-17.
FSM v. NMI: It was a battle of endurance when the Federated States of Micronesia took on the Northern Mariana Islands. Both teams fought closely through the first half of the game, but the Northern Mariana Islands team proved they had more stamina, clamping down on defence and pulling away late to claim a 21-11 victory.
TGA v. TAH: Tonga brought their trademark physicality to their match-up with Tahiti, who did not back down from the challenge. Tonga took a strong lead, creating a ten-point lead. With the score at 17-7, Tahiti pushed to bring the gap down to seven points. It was too little too late though, as Tonga closed the game out 21-12.
SOL v. NMI: With Solomon Islands sitting second in the conference, and the Northern Mariana Islands in third, this highly anticipated match was crucial for both teams, and the underdog Northern Mariana Islands took the early advantage. With one-point in it with 60 seconds to play, and both teams sitting on four fouls, it was anyone’s game with both teams attacking the rim. The Solomon Islands stood a little bit taller, completing their come back to take the game 12-11.
SAM v. TGA: With impressive defensive efforts early from Makeili Ika setting the tone for the game, Samoa’s Hildegard Matthes was forced to rise to the challenge. It was Tonga who proved they wanted it more in the Polynesian tussle, coming away with a comfortable 21-11 win.
FSM v. SOL: The Solomon Islands looked in control early, but a couple of nice twos kept the Federated States of Micronesia women in the hunt. Dorothy Kio was not rattled and put on an impressive performance to lead the Solomon Islanders to a 18-8 win.
FINAL
TGA v SOL: Having last met each other in the Stop 1 final, where TGA won 18-13, the Solomon Islands were out to see what improvements they have made, while Tonga was eager to assert their conference dominance. Monique Wanefai for the Sols put in the work defensively, trying to prevent Tonga’s Lesieli Manupule from once again showing why she is a leading scorer. It was the ever-consistent Ana Enari who stepped up to lead Tonga to another Stop Finals win, defeating the Solomon Islands 18-13, the exact same final score as Stop 1. Tonga remains at the top of Oceania Women’s Conference 2, the Solomons stay at second, and the Northern Mariana Islands remain at third.
Men’s Conference 2: Sharpshooting vs. Size and Strength
TGA v. TAH: Defence was the focus for both teams in Tonga and Tahiti’s bout. It was a low-scoring affair early, but the Tongans were forced to foul Tahiti’s players to keep up, and Tahiti entered the bonus with 2:30 remaining. Even with this advantage, the Tongan’s physical play had worn out Tahiti, and Luke Sinisa used his size and strength to overwhelm the tired Tahiti defence, leading Tonga to a narrow 13-10 win.
FSM v. NMI: Nothing could separate the Federated States of Micronesia and the Northern Mariana Islands early in their match-up. Both teams played an electric style of basketball, with neither team appearing to get tired. The Federated States of Micronesia held a 19-16 lead with 10 seconds left, but the Northern Mariana Island’s Chioni Dela Cruz was fouled on a 2pt attempt. Being their tenth foul of the game, the Northern Mariana Islands were given free throws and possession. Dela Cruz hit both shots, but the team were unable to score on their final possession, leaving the Federated States of Micronesia squad to hold on to a 19-18 win.
SOL v. TAH: The Solomon Islands came out of the day off ready to play, creating a 5-0 lead in the first minute against Tahiti. They continued this speedy offense throughout the game, the boys in blue turning their size disadvantage into an advantage - relocating, passing and shooting before the Tahiti defence could react. Their sharpshooting earned the Solomon Islands a commanding 21-12 win.
SAM v. NMI: After a tight first match of the day, the men from the Northern Mariana Islands came up against a refreshed Samoan outfit with Victor Keil continuing his shooting form. Oddly up on fouls, the Northern Mariana Islands couldn’t string together enough momentum, Samoa hitting the magic 21 with two-and-a-half-minutes to spare. Final score, 21-10.
TGA v. SOL: The Polynesian powerhouse battle came to PHS Spiders Gym once again, this time with Tonga muscling their way to victory. It was physical, with Tongan Luke Sinisa showing why he is one of the top point scorers in the conference. His interior play led Tonga to a 19-12 win.
FSM v. SAM: In the final pool match of the day, the Federated States of Micronesia meant business early, catching Samoa off guard. It was only momentary though, with Harley Tonga making his presence known alongside Jack Joseph who worked hard at the rim. Jernimus Barbosa from the Federated States of Micronesia was crafty throughout, making sure his team kept their noses in front. But it wasn’t to be, with a two-pointer from Harley Tonga sealing a Samoan win with 14 seconds to go, closing the game 21-20.
FINAL
SAM v TGA: The Polynesian battle for supremacy continued at Stop 4 with the men from Tonga taking the crown, claiming a 19-14 win over Samoa. The depleted (they were down to three players) Samoa outfit were gallant in defeat, with Jack Joseph standing his tallest and playing his heart out in the final match of the day. Tonga’s Jonah Palelei was consistent across the court, and veteran Obadaiah Paea showed everyone what he is capable of from beyond the arc. Another win for Tonga sees them maintain their number one spot in the conference, with the Solomon Islands and Tahiti maintaining second and third respectfully, despite lacklustre Stop 4 performances.