The Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea (BFPNG) crowned two new national champions on Saturday night, with PMBL #1 men and NCDBL women earning top honours.

PMBL #1 took down their counterparts PMBL #2, 94-89 in the men’s decider. Team one was led by forward Apia Muri who finished with 28-points. Muri was well assisted by younger brother Purari, who put on a polished all-around display that included contributing 14-points of his own.

Standing out for the PMBL #2 side was young gun Obert Muri, who tallied a game-high 30-points in an impressive inside-outside shooting showcase. 

In the women’s grand final matchup, NCDBL were too strong defeating POMWBL #2, 81-60. NCDBL guard Betty Wong led all scorers with 21-points, while Marca Muri tried her hardest to keep POMWBL #2 in the contest gathering 18-points of her own.

In other playoff matches, NCDBL men defeated Kavieng 89-84 to finish third in the men’s division, while POMWBL #1 overcame Lae, 69-60 to claim the women’s bronze.

Kavieng’s Lloyd Wright was named the men’s most valuable player of the tournament while POMWBL #2 guard Marca Muri earned the same accolade for the women’s competition.

BFPNG Chief Executive Officer Joel Khalu said the National Championships were a massive success.

“We couldn’t be happier with how the whole event went,” Khalu said.

“The games were entertaining; the officiating was high-quality and the spectator support was amazing.” 

“BFPNG is very proud to host sporting events like this, that are family-friendly and fun to be a part of.”

“It was a great dress rehearsal for the upcoming FIBA Melanesia Basketball Cup that we are hosting in Port Moresby this September.”