APIA (Samoa) - New Zealand commanded the first game of the FIBA U17 Oceania Cup, leading against the Cook Islands 145-37. After a tight start to the game, with the Cook Islands dominating ball possession, the New Zealand Tall Blacks pushed their man-on-man defense to the front court and ultimately regained control of the game.
Milan Newton from New Zealand led the way for New Zealand’s victory, scoring the highest number of points (21) and steals (8). Hoani Ifopo-Togia (21 points), Ezekiel Otunuku (20 points and 4 blocks), and Arana Robertson (19 points) also gave memorable performances.
“It was a great start,” Newton said. “Playing in a different environment was challenging…, but we adjusted and got the good win.”
With Phillip Wickham controlling space under the basket (11 rebounds) and Cooper Lepou paving the way for New Zealand to score (8 assists), this team proved itself in their first game of the tournament.
“This has been my dream since I was a little kid,” Newton said. “There’s nothing else I’ve wanted more, and to be playing in front of my family is great.”
The Cook Islands battled their way through their first game of the tournament. Cody Wicks was a standout player, scoring 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals. Cohen Russell scored 9 points, with Calvyn Valoa leading in efficiency for the small island nation.
Australia controlled the second game of the day from the first whistle, leading against Fiji by 32 after the first quarter. From there, Australia continued to dominate the game with their teamwork skills, finishing with a score of 113-42.
Jai Fa’ale was a powerhouse on the court, scoring 19 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists. Other standout players for Australia were Isaac Riddle (20 points), Harry Cook (9 rebounds), and Luke Paul (7 assists).
“As a team, we’re looking to put on more ball pressure, because I think that’s where we can do better,” Fa’ale said. “We just got to get better every game, and I know that’s what we’re going to do.”
While laser-focused, that doesn't shadow how important and significant this game was for Fa'ale, considering his Samoan heritage from his father's side.
"It's exciting when we found out that we were going to come here," he said. "My dad was [excited]. He couldn’t wait to get over here.
"I was here when I was like 10-11, coming back here again and understanding where my dad came from, I just want to make him proud, especially playing in the country and representing Australia."
Fiji pushed themselves in their first game, using quick-paced man-on-man defence to turn the ball over multiple times. Ratu Gosho Vishanin led the charge with 12 points and 4 turnovers, with Zechariah Tuivanuavou scoring 8 points, and Saula Koroi having 4 rebounds.
The FIBA U17 Oceania Cup continues tomorrow with Fiji taking on Guam at 11 AM (local time), followed by the Cook Islands going against Samoa at 6:30 PM (local time).
The FIBA U17 Oceania Cup and FIBA U17 Women’s Oceania Cup is being hosted by the Samoa National Basketball Association in Apia from December 8 to 13. The event is supported by the Government of Samoa under the Ministry of Sport and Recreation, with the two teams qualifying for the FIBA U18 Asia Cup and FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup 2026.
All games are livestreamed via the FIBA YouTube Channel in collaboration with BluWave Media.
FIBA