Shaq Maintains Its Dominance

The second round of the Suva Laucala Bay Basketball knockout tournament showed just how much teams wanted to taste victory. The evening began with a clash of titans, the raining champions Shaq (also known as the Barbarians) met Idaman in the semi finals. It was a close game with teams scoring at will from all over the court including a barrage of 3 pointers from both sides. Shaq held out to win the semi finals 30 to 19 showing that a strong articulated defense is the key to winning basketball games.

The women’s semi finals followed with the Knights and Executioners facing off. The two teams were neck and neck throughout the game with a fine display of sportsmanship and athleticism. The Knights clinched victory by 2 points with a final score of 20 to 18.

In the other men’s semi finals, the upcoming stars of Fiji basketball representing the Freshmans faced the Saints in the much anticipated battle between old school and new school. Leading the Freshmans to victory was Suva’s very own Jese Sikivou. Jese is one of  25 players selected to represent Fiji in the Oceania All Stars meet in Townsville later this year.

Spectators settled in for a re-match with the men’s finals between Shaq and the Freshmans. These teams last faced each other in the final of the Raiwaqa knockout tournament held a few weeks ago. Shaq dominated in their last meet but the home town favorites Freshman were tipped to be victorious. It seems however, the Freshman weren’t prepared for the strength and scoring power of Shaq’s man in the middle Manoa Puamau. Puamau was instrumental in Shaq’s 44 to 27 victory scoring 16 points and pulling down countless rebounds. The Freshman’s Ratu Isikeli Marak tried his best to upset Shaq with a fine display of  individual scoring  providing 11 points but it wasn’t enough to take the victory away from Shaq.

The women’s final will be played on Thursday at Lambert hall concluding the initial knockout tournament. Additionally, the season games also begin this Thursday with 9 mens and 6 womens teams registered. Contact Suva Basketball Association for more information.

GARY SEMAAN

SUVA LAUCALA BAY ASSOCIATION




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