Fiji to face Guam in gold medal match

HONIARA (Solomon Islands) - Fiji overcame New Caledonia in a hotly contested Pacific Games semi-final at Friendship Hall to progress to the gold medal match, 71-60.

After finishing with bronze at the 2019 Pacific Games, the men from Fiji were eager to do better in Honiara, and they now have an opportunity to win gold.

“We had a nice two days of rest leading into the game to get prepared, we knew they were going to come out stronger than last time we played them,” said Filimone ‘Junior’ Waqabaca, who finished the game with 18 points and 4 rebounds. 

Filimone ‘Junior’ Waqabaca in action earlier in the competition.

“I’m so proud of the boys, we had a game plan, and we came out and stuck to it, it was a great team effort, it’s really fun playing with this team.”

“I think we can win gold; I like our chances.  Guam is a great team, with great players, but I believe in our Fiji team.”

Tyrone Mclennan, and Marques Whippy were once again solid for the Fijian team, while Raymond Weber was the standout for New Caledonia with 15 points, and 4 rebounds.

Guam defeated Samoa, 93-65, in the first semi final of the day to progress through to their third straight Pacific Games gold medal match.

Reo Aiken, Jonathan Galloway, and Tai Wesley were all impressive with 22-year-old, Jahmar Andre White finishing up with 20 points.

“It was a fun game … it was a good team win,” White said.  “Everyone plays with a lot of pride, and everyone plays hard.” 

Jahmar Andre White on his way to 20 points in the semi

“We are the defending champions, so we are being chased, and still working to get game time into all our guys.  It’s a lot of fun representing and playing for your country.”

Guam will be on the hunt for a third consecutive Pacific Games gold medal tomorrow at 4:30pm local time against Fiji.  The bronze medal match will be played at 11:30am between Samoa and New Caledonia.

The Pacific Games are being hosted by Solomon Islands from November 19 – December 2, 2023.  The Pacific Games Basketball Tournament is the official qualifiers of the Oceania region to the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Pre-Qualifiers.