New Caledonian Magic at Pacific Games

HONIARA (Solomon Islands) - New Caledonia bounced back at the Pacific Games to defeat Tahiti in a close encounter at Friendship Hall.

Tahiti fought hard all game but didn’t have enough steam to make it to the finish line first, New Caledonia victorious, 53-50.

Eddy Hapai Commings top scored with 16 points for Tahiti, while Ariirimarau Meuel, and Larry Teriitemataua both performed amicably in defeat.

Jean Sebastien Chevrin, Raymond Weber, and Flo Patche, all played their role for New Caledonia, but it was Rodrigue Tetainanuari who stood tallest with a double-double, 13-11,

“This was a must win game for us,” Tetainanuari said.  “We are happy with the win, and now we have to prepare for our game with Fiji for a spot at the top of our pool.”

Rodrigue Tetainanuari

“I play in France, and this keeps me prepared for representing New Caledonia, I’m grateful to come away with a double-double, but more than anything I’m just happy as a team, we got the win.

Fiji remains undefeated in Pool B ahead of their clash with New Caledonia tomorrow, defeating Tonga, 81-67.  It was a tight tussle until late in the fourth quarter when Fiji found another gear.

Marcus Alipate, and Viliami Foketi were solid for Tonga with 17-year-old debutant, Jonah Palelei impressing with 12 points.

The Joshua Fox revenge tour continues with the Fiji Captain finishing with a huge 24 points and 14 rebounds.  Tyrone Mclennan also impressed in his debut Pacific Games with Filimone Waqabaca holding his nerve to finish with 15 points.

“I’m just so proud of the boys and I thank God for being with us throughout the game,” Waqabaca said.  “We knew Tonga was going to put up a good fight, but we had a game plan and it went well.”

Filimone Waqabaca

“Playing with experienced players like we have in the team is the best, we have unselfish players and it makes playing fun.”

The group phase of the competition wraps up tomorrow with Papua New Guinea taking on Samoa in Pool A, while in Pool B Tonga take on Tahiti, and New Caledonia will meet Fiji.

The Pacific Games will be 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.