Samoa, Papua New Guinea men and Cook Islands women dominate day 1 of Van2017 3x3 action

PORT VILA - The Pacific Mini Games are well underway in Port Vila, Vanuatu. Yesterday marked the start of the Van2017 3x3 event.

The sound of music, cheers and bouncing balls filled the arena on day 1 of competition. With 20 games in one day, the fans were treated to non-stop action. Headlining the excitement on the Men's side was Samoa and Papua New Guinea.

After their experience at the 2017 Asian Indoor Games, Samoa looked to be the team to beat here in Vanuatu. They lived up to the hype on day one with impressive victories over Nauru (20-6) and host nation Vanuatu (21-12).

Ryan Paia and Theodore McFarland were both members of the Asian Indoor Games team in Ashgabat that made it to the Quarter Finals. If Samoa hopes to better this result in Vanuatu they will need to keep Papua New Guinea at bay.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) exploded for three wins yesterday, defeating Cook Islands (10-7), Northern Marianas (18-7) and Fiji (7-5). What's more impressive is the fact that they only have three players, most teams competing in this year's competition fielded a team of four to ensure each player can get enough rest. PNG's Men are running with only three, this could be a difference maker as they go deep into the event. 

Liam Wright, Moses Apiko and Apia Muri were all members of the winning FIBA Melanesia Basketball Cup 2017 team earlier this year in Port Moresby, they will look to continue this form in Vanuatu.

Turning to the women where the Cook Islands are leaning on their international experience to slice through the competition. Having played in the 2016 FIBA 3x3 World Championship for Women, this team knows how to play 3x3 at a high level. Their experience showed through on day one with victories over Fiji (16-1), Papua New Guinea (9-3), Nauru (14-2) and Vanuatu (14-5).

All teams will be in action for the next three days with the finals to be played on the 14th of December where the Van2017 3x3 Champions will be crowned.

Stay up to date with all the lastest scores here.

FIBA