APIA (Samoa) - Day two of the FIBA U17 Oceania Cup brought high drama and hometown pride as Guam clawed back to stun Fiji, while Samoa thrilled their fans with a triple-digit performance to close the evening.
Guam captured their first win of the tournament with a gritty 58–55 victory over Fiji.
The contest swung back and forth with five lead changes, long scoring runs, and big momentum shifts. Fiji looked fully in control midway through the third quarter, building a 10-point lead - their largest of the game - behind strong interior play and rebounding dominance.
But Guam stormed back, fueled by a huge fourth quarter from Tristan Hahn, who scored 7 of his 13 points in the final period. His energy, steals, and attacking mindset sparked Guam's comeback as they erased the deficit and took control late.
With one minute left, Guam held a five-point lead, but Fiji refused to go away. Kalae Kenny scored as Fiji converted defensive pressure into another basket, trimming the margin to 56–55 with only 41 seconds remaining.
Needing a decisive play, Guam turned to Lynnwood Baker, who delivered the game’s defining moment - a composed driving layup through traffic to push the lead back to three with seconds to play, effectively sealing the win. A final Fiji turnover ensured Guam closed out the contest.
The 26 turnovers ultimately cost Fiji, allowing Guam to swing momentum and secure the win.
Guam were led by Hahn who also had 9 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 assists aside of 13 points (7 in the final quarter); Lynnwood Baker who scored 12 points, including the game-winning layup; Matthew Quinata's 10 points, and Bless Aisek who recorded 4 points including key baskets in the final minute and 11 rebounds.
After the game, Hahn reflected on the emotional significance of the victory.
"It's incredible to win the game with our teammates," he said.
"A couple of years ago, Fiji beat our national team, so this is for them."
He also emphasized the mindset that drives his approach: "I always work hard and be humble. Always look forward, look ahead."
Hahn praised the atmosphere and experience in Samoa.
"I love it. It's really good food - I love the food," he joked. "We're looking forward to winning more games and having fun on this trip."
He also noted the growing basketball culture in Guam, especially after watching the senior national team go up against the Philippines at home last week in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers Window 1.
"The basketball scene [in Guam] is really great. It was inspiring watching our team compete against the Philippines."
Hahn closed by thanking those who helped him reach this moment: "I just want to thank my family, my coaches - especially my dad and mom - for supporting me."
Fiji had several strong contributions, including Ratu Gosho Vishaini who had 11 points, 15 rebounds; Zechariah Tuivanavou who scored 11 points; Tahitoa Whippy's 9 points, and Kalae Kenny who had 9 points and 6 rebounds.
Host nation Samoa electrified the home crowd with a 101–66 victory over the Cook Islands.
Samoa never trailed, maintaining control for nearly the entire 40 minutes with pressure defense, fast-paced transition play, and impressive offensive rebounding - pulling down 28 offensive boards and scoring 52 points in the paint.
Micah Watson delivered a sensational performance with 25 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 6 steals, commanding the game on both ends.
"All the credit to the boys and the coaching staff - everyone played their roles," Watson said. "We all played well."
He emphasized the emotional lift that came from playing on home soil.
"Pretty gaffed to play in front of the home crowd."
"It’s nice to have homecourt advantage with all the families and stuff."
The atmosphere in Apia - fueled by families, communities, and young fans - made an impact on the entire team.
"It makes us all play better," he said. "All the locals, all the kids cheering us on - it makes us proud and special."
Watson credited his recent improvement to focused effort.
"I've been working on my shooting and my defense mostly. The whole game is about defense - you just gotta play defense."
He also praised the Cook Islands for their resilience.
"They're a good squad. They had an unlucky loss yesterday, but they’re a really good team."
As for the plan heading into the toughest stretch of the tournament?
"Hopping in the pool, eating, and resting," Watson smiled.
Samoa’s scoring depth was on full display, with Kingston Tutani who had 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists and Brandon Gray who recorded 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists.
For the Cook Islands, Cody Wicks shined again with 20 points, supported by Tanu Iako with 13, and Kanoa Esler with 7 points and 10 rebounds.
The FIBA U17 Oceania Cup continues tomorrow with two important matchups as group play reaches its midpoint. In Group A, Australia take on Guam at 1:30 PM (local time). Guam enter the contest energized after a thrilling comeback win against Fiji, while Australia look to continue their dominant form. In Group B, host nation Samoa meet New Zealand at 4:00 PM (local time) in what promises to be one of the marquee games of the group phase. Both teams are coming off strong offensive performances and will battle for the top position in the pool.
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