The Fiji men’s basketball team defeated New Caledonia 47-40 in their first pool match during the FIBA Oceania Championship in Porirua, New Zealand on Thursday.
Central College Lautoka student Pita Sowakula (Gus) was the topscorer collecting 17 points while Ahau Fenuafanote scored 13 pts.
With the scores locked at 40-40 all and with three minutes to play, Sowakula connected from long distance to give his team the edge where the Fijians scored the final seven points to emerge victorious.
After an evenly contested first half, Fiji conceded the momentum through to the third quarter.
Head coach Saula Koroi said Fiji’s defence worked well.
“We missed a lot of shots but we won because our zone defence worked really well.
“So we need to work on that for our next game,” Koroi said.
New Caledonia Head of Delegation Thierry Durand said his players held their heads high despite the loss.
“They played better than they thought they would, our young team can hold their heads up high, despite the loss,” Durand said.

Source: The Fiji Sun Newspaper

30th November 2013