HONIARA (Solomon Islands) - Papua New Guinea have finish fifth at the Pacific Games with a gritty win over Tahiti to close out their campaign, 84-77.

Hitting the lead with just 30 seconds to go, Papua New Guinea (PNG) Captain, Apia Muri led from the front to finish with 25 points, and 9 rebounds.

“It was a hard game, we thought we could run this out, but Tahiti wanted to win as well, we just battled it out,” Muri said.

“We had a game plan, but since I was out there, I told the boys to just put the screens up so I could make the shots to close the gap and eventually get the win.”

The Muri connections shot strongly, with Coni dropping 18 points and Purari 12.  Harold Elavo was impressive once more with 15 points, and a whopping 17 points.

For Tahiti, Captain Ariirimarau Meuel played inspired ball, sinking 30 points, while Maui Roopina finished with 14 points, and 5 rebounds.

Tonga wrapped up their Pacific Games campaign with a win over the host nation, Solomon Islands, 83-59.

Leading the team with points, rebounds and assists, Viliami Foketi wrapped up his competition with 26 points, and 13 rebounds, with Marcus Alipate, and Talanoa Latu also performing well in their final outing in Honiara.

“It was a tough one, we had a tough loss to Tahiti yesterday, but I’m so proud of our guys and the tournament we have played, and our ability to come together and finish strong,” said Captain Siale Bain-Vete.  “Solomon Islands gave us a run for our money, the crowd was awesome, so happy and relieved to get the win.”

Siale Bain-Vete during the clash with Solomon Islands.

Starting the competition with a solid win over New Caledonia, the Tongan Team performed well in every match, pushing the best teams in Oceania.

“For us, the highlight was squeezing out a win against NCL, they are an incredible team, well coached and well-established program,” Bain-Vete said.  “I’ve got a lot of love for that team having lived there for a few years and learnt basketball, so I’m proud that we could get that win… I felt we were quiet close and in all of our games.”

For the host nation, Kalita Maelasi performed well with solid support from Max Grantham and Bart Basia.

Max Grantham was consisted for the host nation.

Semi finals will be played tomorrow at Friendship Hall with Samoa taking on defending champions Guam, and Fiji up against New Caledonia.

The Pacific Games are being hosted by Solomon Islands from November 19 – December 2, 2023.  The Pacific Games Basketball Tournament is the official qualifiers of the Oceania region to the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Pre-Qualifiers.