Samoa basketball

The game between the two teams is scheduled to take place at 7.40pm (Samoa Time).

The Samoan team will meet New Caledonia in their second game at 2am, the next day (Samoa Time).

Samoa’s third game will be against Thailand at 7.40pm (Samoa Time) on 30 March.

Samoa has been awarded hosting rights for the 2021 Polynesian Cup next September while Apia will also stage the Oceania Under 17 Championships three months later.

President of the Samoa Basketball Federation, Pauga Talalalei Pauga, said they cannot wait.

"We're very excited and very keen to host it," he said. "Especially we have vast experience from our last two events because we hosted the first Polynesian Cup in 2018 and then we hosted the Pacific Games in 2019.

His brilliant play has lead Samoa to the Qualifying Final Round as week 2 of the Games commences.

The 17-year old sensation pumped in 27 points, six rebounds, five assists and added 5 blocks for good measure in their thrilling 98-90 win over Tonga to tow the host country to the next round.

"It's always been my dream playing at this level. I remember when I was young I didn't think I would play internationally because I was living in New Zealand but then my Dad loved coming back home to Samoa," Dru shared.

Samoa led in the first quarter 22-14 but PNG bounced back to take over 43-35 at half time.

PNG maintained the lead in the third quarter thanks to key players Allan Wright, Purari Muri, Gabriel Elavo and Matiineng Leahy taking their score up 59-48.

Despite height advantage, Samoa couldn’t keep up with the fast play by the home team.

This is PNG’s fifth win out of six games taking them to the top four.

PNG coach Joel Khalu was pleased with the boys’ performance and is confident PNG will make it to the medal playoffs.