2016 Mission Foods Nations Cup

Pepes with 3 from 4 wins so far

The Pepes started off their campaign on a high, thrashing Canada 73-30 on Monday afternoon.

On day two, the Pepes went down to Zambia 61-45.

But the Pepes bounced back in the last two days of competition with a narrow 51-40 win over Botswana and then belting Singapore 61 – 37 last night.

Pepes coach, Unaisi Soroinikula Rokoura, stressed on the importance of being more consistent after the win against Singapore.

“We had a strong start and full concentration – the second quarter made a difference. We need to be more consistent,” said Rokoura.

Pepes too strong for Singapore

Both teams got off to a good start and there was not much between them at the end of the first quarter, with a margin of 14-10 in favour of the Pepes.

With Pepes captain and goal shooter, Lua Rikis, on song, the Pepes raced away with the score to take a 32-16 lead at halftime.

Singapore came back stronger in the third quarter of play, more organised and composed and won its first and only quarter of the match, 11-14. This put the score at 43-29 with the Pepes still comfortably in front.

Pepes need to stick to game plan

Speaking after yesterday's 51-40 win over Botswana on day three of the 2016 Mission Foods Nations Cup, Rikis said she was pleased with the win.

“Coming from our learnings yesterday, I think we did great for today’s match, we came out strong and got the results that we wanted against Botswana.

"There were some injuries sustained but everyone from the team is prepared to take on the court and it’s like nothing changed and it was all good for the girls.

The Pepes will play hosts Singapore tonight at 7pm (9pm PNG time.)

Pepes must not get complacent, says vice-captain

 The Pepes started off the 2016 Mission Foods Nations Cup on a positive note, thrashing Canada 73-30 yesterday.

“We need to release the ball and let the ball do the work – when you let the ball go, the ball does everything. Our team may be the highest ranked, but we are not being complacent.

“We won’t take any team lightly. If we become complacent, we tend to lose focus.

“We saw Team Singapore play earlier on today and we never underestimated the team. Our team is on par as Team Singapore – we win some, they win some,” said Mavara.