Papua New Guinea takes bronze and Fiji gold in Division B, Australia and New Zealand advance

SUVA (FIBA U18 Oceania Championship 2016) - After a surprise loss to Tahiti, Guam matched up against Papua New Guinea in the Division B Bronze Medal Game. The game was close all the way until the fourth quarter where PNG outscored Guam 24 to 8. On the back of an 85 to 28 rebounding effort, PNG took out the division B bronze medal. Jennifer Haro led PNG with 13 points and a 23 rebound performance.

After their inspired win over PNG, Tahiti was ready to take on home country Fiji. The tournament hosts had other ideas, leading 18-3 at the quarter time break. Fiji continued to build on this lead the whole game, not losing a single quarter. After some setbacks earlier in the tournament, Fiji was able to win division B gold in front of their home fans. As was the case all tournament, Fiji was lead by Losalini Katia (16 points and 22 rebounds).

Australia lined up against New Caledonia in the division A semi-final. Australia put the foot down early in this one and didn’t let up. Scoring a huge 137 points, Australia cruised to their gold medal matchup with New Zealand. Chantelle Horvat lead with 22 points and 11 rebounds, joined by, Ezi Magbegor’s 20 points and 7 rebounds.

Similarly, New Zealand proved too big and experienced for a tough Samoan side. The Samoan Women fought hard as they have all tournament but couldn’t overcome a New Zealand team set on qualification to the FIBA U19 Women’s World Championship next year. New Zealand relied on a team scoring effort in this one with 6 players in double figures.

Friday's result
Papua New Guinea beat Guam 70-52
Fiji beat Tahiti 71-37
Australia beat New Caledonia 137-8
New Zealand beat Samoa 108-25  

Saturday's games
Bronze Medal - New Caledonia v Samoa
Gold Medal - Australia v New Zealand 

Follow the day's action via the live blog.

Watch Friday's game below:

Papua New Guinea v Guam

Fiji v Tahiti

Australia v New Caledonia

New Zealand v Samoa

FIBA