PNG men go down to New Caledonia in basketball

​PNG suffered its first defeat going down to gold medal holders New Caledonia 74-77 in their first game tonight.

The visiting team showed class in the close encounter but with the home crowd on their side PNG fought hard in the first and second quarter.

In the first quarter, New Caledonia took the lead 17-15.

In the second quarter, the combination of brothers James and Allan Wright helped PNG level the score at half time 38-38.

New Caledonia fought back in the second quarter with great three points shots from Stephane Saminadin put New Caledonia in the lead 60-52 at the third quarter break.

The final quarter was intense for both teams with pressure build up as the crowd cheered.

However New Caledonia had the upper hand in the final minutes of play with great attack winning by three points 74-77.

PNG plays American Samoa in their second match tomorrow.

 

Author: 
Quintina Naime