Fiji came out victorious in day two of the FIBA Melanesian Cup against the Solomon Islands on Thursday at the Vodafone Arena in Suva.
The hosts led all throughout the four quarters with the final score at full time 66-57. Fiji is hosting the competition for the first time after Papua New Guinea men’s and women’s divisions crowned themselves champions at Port Moresby in 2017.
Compared to their first game against New Caledonia on Tuesday, Fiji coach Joshua Fox said the team played much better and he was proud of their first win.
“Our last game against New Caledonia did not go as planned but the boys really improved their game here tonight (Thursday),” he said.
“The Solomon Islands team was very good in their attack and had us at our heels throughout the game.”
With the Solomon Islands trailing throughout the quarters, Fox encouraged his players to control the pace of the game.
“There were a couple of times when they were edging in on us, so I told the boys to work together and control the pace of the game.”
Fox also mentioned that the boys were honoured to play in front of their home crowd and thanked the fans for coming out in numbers ton show their support.
“Having the Melanesian Cup in Fiji is a once in a lifetime opportunity, so the boys are thrilled to be playing here at home.”
Filimone Waqabaca scored the most points for Fiji, 24, while Fox came in with nine rebounds. As of day two of the competition, PNG defeated New Caledonia 75-66 in the men’s division while Fiji outmuscled Solomon Islands in the women’s division.
