PNG Basketball Teams Register Big Wins Over Vanuatu in FIBA Melo Cup Opener

The Papua New Guinea national men’s and women’s teams clinched two dominant victories against Vanuatu’s men’s and women’s sides on the opening day of the FIBA Melanesian Cup today (13th October 2025) in Honiara, Solomon Islands. 

Tipping off the tournament, the PNG women cruised past Vanuatu with a comfortable 82-36 win, while the men mercilessly pulled off a resounding 99-39 victory over Vanuatu’s men, with the PNG teams flexing their muscles on the first day of the six-day tourney.

PNG men’s basketball coach Moi Muri was happy with the commanding win, but admitted that there’s more work to be done. Women’s rookie coach Michael Henry expressed similar sentiments shared by coach Muri. 

With the much-needed wins on their backs, the PNG men’s and women’s teams look forward to day two of the tournament tomorrow (14th October). The men will go head-to-head with Fiji in the morning, while the women will meet New Caledonia in the afternoon. 

The 2025 FIBA Melanesian Cup in the Solomon Islands from October 13-18 serves as a qualifier for the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti. 

PC: Solomon Islands Basketball Federation