SHAQ used its experience and excellent combination to edge Freshmen 63-61 in the feature match of the Raiwai Basketball 3 on 3 competition at the Raiwai Hall on Friday night.

Shaq, who were led by national representatives Lai Puamau and David Whippy, had to work hard throughout the match to deny the young Freshmen side an upset win.

Raiwai Basketball official Kelevi Serukalou said the two teams gave all they had and thrilled basketball fans who packed the Raiwai Hall with a high quality performance.

Serukalou said even though the 3 on 3 competition was new to the country, teams that have entered their competition have been performing to the best of their ability.

"We're amazed at the high level of competition every week and this is good because a lot of our national reps are using this competition to build up on their fitness and skills.

"We hope that a lot more teams will see the importance of 3 on 3 competition and make an effort to join," Serukalou said.

Another team that is showing improvements in their performance every week is Middles from Samabula.

Serukalou said the team consists of Indo-Fijian players who were former students of Gospel High School in Samabula.

"These boys have been playing well and have been beating some well-known teams in the competition.:

Results of other matches played:

Rainbow 23 Pacers White 37; RYC One 32 Middles 35; Knights 37 Idaman 34; Shaq 63 Frenshmen 61; RYC Two 45 Idaman 40; Freshmen 20 Pacers Red 19

The Fiji times online

Sunday, March 22, 2009