PNG Men’s Basketball Team come from behind to stun New Caledonia in Day 3 of FIBA Melo Cup

The PNG men’s basketball team produced a herculean effort to upset New Caledonia with a 77-74 nail-biting finish on the third day of the FIBA Melanesian Cup today (15th October 2025) in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

PNG opened their campaign with a dominant win over Vanuatu on the first day of the tournament, edged Fiji yesterday, and pulled off a hard-fought victory over New Caledonia today. 

New Caledonia started the opening quarter with intensity and maintained their lead in the second and third quarters, but PNG regrouped in the final quarter and stole the win from the dominant New Caledonian side.

Young Harold Elavo walked away with the man of the match, while veterans Moses Lune, Apia Muri, and Purari Muri had solid performances, backed by Cornelius Muri, Anderson Hewe, and Morea Elavo. 

PNG claimed three consecutive victories and are topping the standings in Pool A. They will play the Solomon Islands tomorrow (16th October) to complete their pool games, with the playoffs scheduled from 17-18 October.  

The high-flying PNG men’s side are in the prime position to stake their claim for a gold medal finish and book their ticket for the upcoming 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti.   

Meanwhile, the PNG women’s team also recorded two straight wins after defeating Vanuatu and New Caledonia. They will play Fiji this evening and meet the Solomon Islands tomorrow to wrap up their pool games. 

PC: Solomon Islands Basketball Federation