PNG fall short

By JACK AMI
PAPUA New Guinea lost to Fiji 64-62 in the boys’ division on day one of the Fiba U15 Oceania Basketball Championships at the Taurama Aquatic and Indoor Centre last night.
PNG allowed too many turn-overs and paid the price in the end.
They were ahead but Fiji bounced back in the final period to slip away from the home side.
PNG were unable to control the tempo of their attack throughout the entire 40-minute duration of the match.
It was an even contest as both sides traded baskets in the opening minutes, with Fiji taking 21-20 lead in the first quarter.
However, PNG came back in the second quarter to lead 34-29 at halftime.
The home side with Willie Bray, Jordan Abel, and Harold and Morea Elavo combined effectively to match the opposition.
Meanwhile, in the girls’ division, New Zealand thrashed PNG 108-15.
New Zealand had too much experience for the home side.
PNG were outplayed in all departments, despite putting in a spirited performance.
The quarter scores were 27-8, 65-8, 85-13 and 108-15 all in favour of New Zealand.
The visitors had the height, weight and size to easily walk away with the match.
For the home side, it was first their first taste of international basketball.
Deputy Prime Minister Charles Abel and Fiba Oceania executive director David Crocker attended the games.
Fixtures: Wed, Dec 5 – New Zealand v PNG (boys) 11am, PNG v Fiji (girls) 3pm, PNG v Samoa (boys) 7pm.