Australia Defeat New Zealand in Classic

PORT MORESBY (Papua New Guinea) – With nine lead changes and the score tied six times, Australia have defeated New Zealand in a thrilling FIBA U17 Oceania Championship clash.

At half-time the Junior Tall Blacks held a one-point lead after being down by two at quarter-time, with Julius Halaifonua, Tamatoa Isaac, and Ryan Hunt all influential.  For the Aussie Emu’s, Roman Siulepa, Nash Walker and Jacob Furphy were all solid contributors.

“Coming into this match, we knew it was going to be a tough battle,” Furphy said.  “I think our coaches helped us prepare perfectly and the boys just executed the game plan to precision and battled our hearts out.

“These are the games you want to play in, you want to play in the tight ones and the better team will come out on top.  We came together as a team, looked after the ball and everything learnt will benefit us later in the week.”

Samoa notched up their second win of the championship defeating Guam 134-99 in the opening match on day three of the FIBA U17 Oceania Championship.

The Samoan cohort took the court eager to win after going down to Australia the previous day.  Eneasi Piuleini and Elika Tutagalevao were impressive shooting 26 points each, with Captain Semika Nee finishing leading from the front.

“It’s not so much about me and my individual game but the team,” Nee said.   “It’s a team game, and I’m just grateful we were able to get the win and if I have to score, so be it, but it’s a team game overall.”

“We are very grateful to come here and represent our country, we thank Team Guam for pushing us to our limits which helps us understand what we need to work on collectively as a group.”

Samoa will now prepare to face New Zealand in what is shaping up to be match of the day before finals are decided.

About the 2023 FIBA U17 Oceania Championship

The 2023 FIBA U17 Oceania Championship will be hosted by the Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby at Sir John Guise Stadium from October 2 to 6.  The Championships serve as the first step in the qualification process to the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup.  The top two placed teams at the 2023 FIBA U17 Oceania Championships qualify to the 2024 FIBA U18 Asian Championships.