Fiji Men's Basketball wins first Pacific Games gold medal after 16 years beating Guam 51-47

Fiji Men's Basketball wins first Pacific Games gold medal after 16 years beating Guam 51-47

The Fiji Men's Basketball team has won their first Pacific Games gold medal after 16 years after beating Guam 51-47.

The last time Fiji basketball won gold at the Pacific Games was back in 2007 when current coach Laisiasa Puamau was still a player.

Fiji took a slight 36-32 lead at halftime before extending their lead to 47-45 at the end of the third quarter.

Captain Marques Whippy says the knew Guam was not going to be an easy team so they kept their guard up all throughout the game.

Whippy says Guam has been winning well at the Games but Fiji came into the final with alot of faith in God.

He says their faith in God was a huge contribution as well to the win.

Whippy says they came into the final not as underdogs or a second best team but they came in as equals.

He adds he reminded the boys that they need to throw the first punch in the final and come out aggressive and stay aggressive till the final whistle.

An emotional Whippy dedicated the win to his late uncle who was his basketball coach as well growing up.

Fiji now have won 10 gold, 16 silver, and 16 bronze so far.

New Caledonia is leading with 55 gold, 37 silver and 34 bronze, while Australia is in second place with 28 gold, 19 silver and 8 bronze.