Undefeated New Caledonia through to basketball 3×3 men’s semis

New Caledonia remains the only undefeated team in the Sol2023 Pacific Games men’s 3×3 basketball tournament ahead of Saturday’s semi-finals and medal matches, after trashing Samoa 21-7 in their final pool A match on Friday at SIFF Academy.

New Caledonia topped their pool ahead of PNG, who go through as runner-up after defeating Solomon Islands 21-15.

Pool B saw silver medallists from four years ago, Fiji, topping their pool over defending champions Guam, who nevertheless secured their place by defeating Tonga 21-15. Palau narrowly missed out on points difference.

In the women’s competition, New Caledonia topped pool A ahead of Tahiti, who managed to slip into the semis on points difference while Cook Islands topped pool B ahead of Fiji.

Four mouthwatering clashes are set for Saturday morning, starting with the men’s competition where New Caledonia will be taking on Fiji while Guam faces PNG.

The women’s semis will see New Caledonia face Fiji, followed by Cook Islands versus Tahiti, with a huge turnout of local basketball fans expected to attend.

The semi-finals begin at 9am on Saturday at the SIFF Academy and will be followed by the medal matches.

By Liah Mason, Melinda Alu, Timothy Inifiri Jnr and Sylvia Szetu, Pacific Games News Service