Australia, New Zealand and Samoa seperate themselves from the pack, Guam’s hopes still alive

GUAM (FIBA U17 Women’s Oceania Championship 2017) - Samoa tops Tahiti in the opening game, 90-41. Both teams were strong defensively, but Samoa’s offensive ball movement and ability to find open lanes outmatched the Tahiti team. Tahiti gave it all they had, but it wasn't enough for the Samoan powerhouse. The Ropati sisters (Frances and Latorya) both scored a game high of 21 points, but Frances Ropati had an outstanding game adding 21 rebounds ending her game with a double-double.

New Caledonia suffered their first loss of the event to New Zealand, 110-31. New Zealand took the lead early on and stayed consistent throughout. Their defense left New Caledonia struggling to find open shots and the quickness of New Zealand caused issues for New Caledonia all game long. Charlotte Whittaker dominated in the paint with 16 points while Olivia O’neill helped her team with 18 rebounds and 13 assists to advanced New Zealand to another win.

Host nation Guam came out of Day 2 with a huge win over Palau, 96-34. Guam started very strong converting quick baskets to gain an early lead. The aggressive Guam defense also helped contain Palau to only 3 points in the first half. Palau started to show signs of a comeback, but it wasn't enough for a win against Guam. Mia San Nicolas helped Team Guam offensively and defensively with a game high of 24 points and 18 rebounds.

Australia showed no mercy once again as they breezed by Marshall Islands, 166-3. Australia played another game filled with the excellent defense allowing only 3 points for the entire game. Even with this margin, Marshall Islands played the game to the final buzzer and cherished the experience to play against the talent of a team like Australia. For some of these athletes, this is the first time they have played on the hardwood instead of concrete or even with a leather ball.

Tuesday’s Results

Tahiti 41 - 90 Samoa

New Zealand 110 - 31 New Caledonia

Palau 34 - 96 Guam

Australia 166 - 3 Marshall Islands

Wednesday’s Games

Marshall Islands v Tahiti - 11:00am

Samoa v Australia - 1:00pm

New Zealand v Palau - 6:00pm

New Caledonia v Guam - 7:00pm

Want to catch up on the day’s action – see the full games below

 

 

FIBA