Port Moresby, 15 October 2025 — What. A. Game. Team PNG Women’s Basketball pulled off a wild comeback against New Caledonia last night, grabbing their second win of the FIBA Melanesian Cup 2025 in a match that had fans screaming, jumping, and holding their breath till the final buzzer.

With less than a minute left, PNG was trailing 54–65. Things looked grim. But then Betty Wong stepped up and went full clutch mode—three straight three-pointers to tie the game at 65–65. The crowd went nuts. That shot sent the game into overtime, and PNG rode the wave all the way to victory.

And get this—PNG finished the game with just four players on the court. Hannah Kalua, Hannah Kuwimb, Rayvirna Marape, and Michaelyn Ham didn’t just hold the line—they made history. No subs, no excuses, just pure heart and hustle.

“This wasn’t just a win—it was a fight,” said Hannah Kalua after the game. “We were tired, down on numbers, but we never gave up. We trusted each other and played with pride. PNG spirit, you know?”

The FIBA Melanesian Cup is more than just a tournament—it’s a celebration of Pacific basketball. Held every few years (2017, 2022, and now 2025), it brings together teams from PNG, Fiji, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. It’s all about building the game, growing talent, and sparking those fierce but friendly rivalries.

Earlier in the week, PNG Women smashed Vanuatu 82–36 in their opener. This win over New Caledonia is extra sweet—it’s payback for the 2022 final, where PNG fell short. Now, they’re back with fire.

Today’s match schedule:

• Men’s Team PNG vs New Caledonia – 12:30 PM PNG Time
• Women’s Team PNG vs Fiji – 5:30 PM PNG Time

Team PNG is on the rise. And if last night’s game is anything to go by, they’re just getting started.

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