Hosts in form for Games gold

 THE current form of the PNG men’s basketball team has set them up as the dark horse for the 2015 Pacific Games gold medal.

The PNG men are looking good with the home crowd right behind them.

They toppled giants Tahiti before playing Samoa last night, who they beat 75-65 after leading the quarters 14-22, 43-35, 59-48.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and his family were part of the crowd that witnessed the upset over Tahiti. 

O’Neill’s presence induced the youngsters to lift their game — going from strength to strength.

Today, they take on another powerful opponent in Guam, silver medallists of the 2011 Pacific Games in Noumea, New Caledonia.

But gold medallist New Caledonia are out of the race and are forced to the pool B bottom 7-10 play-off placing.  

Guam and Fiji survive to face  strong opposition from PNG, American Samoa, Samoa and Tahiti.

PNG’s gold medal campaigners are Martineng Leahy, Aron Farmer, Wright brothers Liam and Lloyd, the Muri brothers and Gabriel Elavo. 

Coach Joel Khalu is counting on them produce the desired results.

In the women’s, PNG plays American Samoa in a crucial match which they must win to advance further in the competition.