Basketball

The United States men's basketball team finally turned in the dominant performance everyone had been waiting for to comfortably defeat Argentina and reach the semi-finals at Rio 2016.

Mike Krzyzewski's USA team eased to a 105-78 victory on Wednesday, setting up a semi-final meeting with Spain.

France star Tony Parker is targeting five more years in the NBA after his international career ended with an 92-67 defeat to Spain in the Rio 2016 quarter-finals on Wednesday.

Parker, 34, helped France to EuroBasket bronze in 2005 and silver in 2011, scoring more points than any other player in the latter edition.

The Silver Cloud, which docked at the city's port at the weekend, can accommodate up to 400 people in its 196 cabins, some of which have already been allotted to the US men's and women's Olympic basketball teams, the general directorate of the Maua port terminal said.

The US delegation reserved all the cabins for the Olympics, and the ship, with all its amenities and attractions, will become practically a floating US embassy during the Games.

Tabar willing to meet with UPNG again: Mellam

Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology Malakai Tabar has agreed to meet with the University of PNG students for the second time.

http://www.looppng.com/content/tabar-willing-meet-upng-again-mellam

Hey…hey… hey … Manus has a tourism association

Following the pre-season, the proper season will start next weekend comprising of two rounds.

Flames president Kevin Teme said the pre-season was a success with teams putting up a good challenge as they prepare for the proper season.

Results today saw Mix Warriors lead by PNG representative Apia Muri defeat 4 Mile Magic 45-39 and Kaugere Pacers defeated Morata in a close encounter 46-42.

In the women’s games, Gabutu beat Hox Butterfly 16-14 and Southern Waves defeated Mix Souls 20-16.  

Tahiti, who won gold at the 2011 Games, led throughout the match.

In the first quarter, Tahiti easily scored to lead 21-12 against the weak defense by the home girls.

Tahiti maintained their lead in the second quarter, 35-25.

They were thrashed by a highly fancied Guam side, 103-53.

Guam had height advantage, Guam showed no mercy in the first quarter 24-12.

The visitors extended their lead in the second quarter 52-24 with key shooter Jesus Cruz shooting eight 3 poiners from 10 attempts.

The home girls lost to bronze medal holders Fiji 86-60 today in front of their home crowd.

Fiji dominated the game, leading throughout the game and taking the lead in the first quarter , 25-16.

In the second quarter, PNG pulled through to keep up but the Fijians were too fast and had a height advantage with players like  Leba Korovou and Vilisi Tavui.

Fiji maintained their lead at the end of the second quarter, 45-31.

With Tahiti ahead throughout the match, PNG bounced back in the final quarter thanks to Gabriel Elavo’s five three point shots helping PNG up with 15 points.

Tahiti took the lead in the first quarter 20-13 with the help of captain Ariitimarau Meuel and Rahitiarii Teriierooiteral and maintained their lead in the second quarter 36-34.

With their home crowd behind them, PNG pushed their way through the third quarter but were still trailing by three points as they tried to close the gap 57-54.

PNG has so far won three out of four games after losing to gold medal holders New Caledonia in their first game. The home boys defeated American Samoa, Fiji and Nauru. 

Tahiti has won all their four matches against Kiribati, Solomon Islands, silver medal holders Guam and Samoa.

This match is expected to be a showdown in front of a sellout crowd.

PNG will be led by captain Dia Muri and playmakers Wright brothers James and Allan, Gabriel Elavo and Matiineng-Iakah Leahy.