Fiji survives late scare from the Cook Islands

Apia (Samoa) – Reigning champion Fiji started its title defense on a high note, outlasting the Cook Islands with a close 71-69 win in the opener of the highly awaited 2019 Pacific Games women's basketball at the Gym 2 in Apia, Samoa.

Proving its championship caliber, the Fijians pounced on the Cook Islands right away to take command with a 12-point lead. It managed to hold the upper hand until the final canto where it was still in command, 68-59 off Kayla Mendez’ freebies with only 1:30 to go.

But the resilient Cook Island refused to just roll over and die, launching a 10-2 last hurrah to strike within 69-70 in the last six seconds before being foiled by a Val Nainima free throw to seal the deal for Fiji.

Nainima led the way for Fiji with 24 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and five steals while Letava Whippy also chipped in 13 markers.

Gunner Mili Koyamainavure also proved her lofty billing with 16 points and three rebounds for the Fijians who edged the Cook Islands in rebounding, 49-40, which proved to be the x-factor in the tightly contested match.

On the other hand, Cook Islands just simply could not cap off its epic come-from-behind attempt despite the 17 markers of Te Araroa Sopoaga.

Dalen Pilitati and Aijah Pepe also added 13 and 12 markers, respectively, in a losing cause for Cook Islands which did not manage to capitalize on its edge in points in the paint (28-16), bench points (27-8) and points from turnovers (13-11) as Fiji starters proved to be too much to handle.

Meanwhile, in the last game of the day; buoyed by a wild home crowd, host Samoa had a rousing return in the Pacific Games following an easy 106-64 win over New Caledonia in the opening day of the quadrennial sports joust.

Malama Leaupepe exploded for 42 points on top of 10 rebounds and five steals to lead the way for Samoa in their emphatic Pacific Games return.

Marked woman Cherish Manumaleuga took a backseat this time but still came up with 15 markers, seven rebounds, and three assists while Sommer Motufoua also chipped in 11 points.

Samoa raced to a 30-11 first quarter lead and never looked behind cruising its way to a convincing 42-point victory.

Factors of the one-sided win were massive Samoans advantages in rebounds (58-33), points off turnovers (21-8), second chance points (17-2) and bench points (32-11).

Samoa also shot 50-percent from the field compared to a paltry 34-percent clip of New Caledonia.

Yolanda Luepak and Sam Honda held the fort for New Caledonia with 14 and 12 markers, respectively.