The Papua New Guinea Under 18 Men’s National Team have defeated the Papuan Blacks V2, 56-53, in an exhibition game played at the Taurama Aquatic & Indoor Centre (TAIC) on Saturday night.

The match-up between the two line-ups exposed some of the countries finest young basketball talent. Early-on the game showcased both sides commitment to the defensive end of the floor, with team’s struggling to find easy baskets. PBV2 went into the halftime break holding a slim 26-22 lead.

The Papuan Blacks increased the margin to 12-points midway through the third quarter, on the back of some hot shooting from forward Gerry Suve. At the end of the third period, PBV2 appeared to have control of the contest, holding a 10-point margin, 43-33.

The PNG U18 representative players held their nerve however, exploding for a 23-point final term, while keeping their older opposition to just 10-points. PNG U18 shooting guard Moses Kairi had an outstanding fourth quarter, scoring 9-points, including a crucial 3-point basket which put his side in front with just over a minute to play.

A lay-up to 15-year old Connie Muri with 12-seconds left on the clock made the margin 3-points, while the PBV2 3-point attempt as time expired was unsuccessful, giving their younger counterparts the victory.

BFPNG Chief Executive Officer and Head Coach of the PNG U18 national side Joel Khalu said the game provided a great learning experience for both sides.

“These players are the future of the PNG men’s national team program, so playing in tight contests like this is fantastic for their ongoing experience,” Khalu said.

“It was certainly a tough battle and that’s what we wanted for both sides.”

“For our U18 group, I was really impressed with how the guys stuck with our game-plan and never gave up.”

“That’s a great reflection of both their character and their maturity levels,” Khalu added.

In the earlier game the PNG U18 Women’s National Team went down to the POMWBL Select Side 58-49.

For more information please contact BFPNG Chief Executive Officer Joel Khalu on khalujoel@gmail.com.

 

GAME SCORES – SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

PNG U18 MEN 56 (Brenneth Morris 18) defeated PAPUAN BLACKS V2 53 (Gerry Suve 11)

POMWBL SELECT 58 (Rosa Kairi 15) defeated PNG U18 WOMEN 49 (Valerie Maikai 15)