Fiji Women’s Basketball side expects another tough battle with PNG in the final this afternoon

The Fiji Women’s Basketball side is expecting another tough battle when they meet Papua New Guinea in the final of the FIBA Melanesian Cup this afternoon at the Vodafone Arena.

The women’s team has qualified to the 2023 Pacific Games after defeating PNG 65-54 last night and claim a spot in the final this afternoon.

Captain Kayla Mendez says the girls understand they have to rest well after their win last night and be ready for another battle against the defending champions.

She says everyone knew coming when they stepped on the court, they have to bring their energy, regardless of where they would be or who they were guarding.

Mendez says they take every quarter as a new game so they will try to stay composed.

The Women’s team will play PNG in the final at 5 this afternoon.

The men’s basketball team lost to Papua New Guinea 70-61 last night and they will meet Solomon Islands in the bronze medal playoff at 2.30pm.

The top two teams at the Melanesian Cup will qualify for the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands.

The Pacific Games then serves as the official qualifier for the Oceania region to the FIBA Asia Cup Pre-Qualifiers.