Medal Games Set for Final Day of Championship

PORT MORESBY (Papua New Guinea) – Finals confirmed with Australia and New Zealand to do battle for gold, and Samoa to take on Guam for the bronze.

New Zealand were dominant against Guam in the first match of the day, winning 137-39.

For Guam, Noah Tenorio put in a solid performance, but it was one way traffic, with the Junior Tall Blacks booking their spot in the FIBA U17 Oceania Championship final.

New Zealand Captain Kahuranaki Treacher said the hit out against Guam was a great way to prepare for the final tomorrow.

“We excited to get another win, but we still have unfinished business with the Aussies,” Treacher said.  “Our match against the boys from Guam was more a team effort, but I was happy to lead the team to get the win.  Our focus will remain on recovering in the next few hours before the finals tomorrow.”

“I know the boys will be prepared to have a face off against the Aussies, we’re just looking forward to the finals.”

Australia cruised past Papua New Guinea (PNG) in the final game of the group stage with Cooper Rowlings, Jack Whitbourn and Goc Malual all finishing with double doubles.

“The game was pretty tough, because we are a tall side and they are shorter, it’s different to play against,” Malual said.  “They played with passion, pushing and running the floor a lot, which was tough for us big men.”

Goc Malual in action for Australia against PNG

“I think my performance was not too bad, I have a few areas to improve on such as staying in stance defensive wise and securing rebounds and staying aggressive.”

Australia will take on New Zealand in the gold medal match while Samoa will face Guam in the bronze medal game.

Following the confirmation of finals, both Australia and New Zealand have qualified for the 2024 FIBA U18 Asian Championship.

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.