Final day will feature match-ups of undefeated and winless teams
The Group Phase of the Men’s basketball tournament in the ongoing Pacific Games will conclude today.
Apia (Samoa) – The Group Phase of the Men’s basketball tournament in the ongoing Pacific Games will conclude in Day 6 of the competition.
Unbeaten teams Guam (2-0) and New Caledonia (2-0) will dispute the top spot in Pool A action including the outright Semi-Final ticket.
Reigning champion Guam has been good as advertised with their dominant wins over Samoa (105-81) and Tonga (101-65) while New Caledonia also turned back both pool mates Tonga (82-71), Samoa (76-63).
Guam’s JP Cruz has been shooting the lights out, averaging 19.5 points per game in just 18.5 minutes per game while young stud Takumi Simon exploded for 30 points in their win against Tonga.
New Caledonia will look to Beniela Adjouhgniope (18.5 ppg, 8.0 rpg) and Rodrigue Tetainanuari (14.5 ppg, 7.5 rpg) to lead them in their match against the pre-season favorites.
Guam vs New Caledonia is scheduled at 2:15 pm (Samoa time).
Meanwhile, host Samoa and Tonga will face-off to determine the last participant for the Qualifying Final from Pool A.
Tonga’s Marcus Alipate is averaging a tournament best, 35.0 ppg and will get able support from Vilia Foketi with 14 points and 9.0 rebounds average but will need help to overcome a home team that is boosted by a huge crowd support.
But Samoa will also have an explosive guard in their arsenal with the 17-year old sensation Dru-Leo Leusogi Ape averaging 23.5 points per game to lead his team.
Can Samoa reward their fans a win at home or will Tonga shut the door and keep the host winless?
Samoa vs Tonga is scheduled at 6:45 pm (Samoa time).
FIBA