Basketball side defeat hosts to stay in medal hunt

THE national men’s basketball side beat Samoa 75-63 in the Pacific Games quarterfinals in Apia, Samoa, yesterday.
It was the smart start for PNG who kept their noses in front throughout the four quarters of the match to qualify for the semifinals against an unbeaten Guam outfit at 4pm (PNG time) today.
Guam, who are the defending champions, are confident heading into today’s fixture.
Throughout the four-quarter challenge, PNG led 21-19, 40-34, 55-48 and 75-63.
It looked an even contest but PNG with better coordination and combinations managed to pull ahead.
An area PNG will want to improve on is their patience in taking three-pointers.
The Wright brothers (Liam and Lloyd), Apia Muri, Marty Leahy and Moses Apiko Lune will need to be better against a formidable Guam side.
The Wright brothers made adjustments and picked up several three-pointers for PNG.
PNG coach Khalu has a mammoth task ahead and should instruct his men to make use of every possession and take advantage of the 24-second shot clock.