It was American Samoa who started strongly but Fiji soon found form and stuck to its ground and soon enough started dominating play.

American Samoa led 23-18 after the first quarter but Fiji began the brightly in the second, going in front for the first time in the match to set the tone for a complete turn in fortune.

* Pacific Games coverage courtesy of BSP

Neat work underneath the basket from Mickaelar Whippy allowed the Fijian to find her way into a scoring position as she rounded off a flowing move with a simple lay-up, the pick of her side's baskets as they established a 42-33 lead.

From that point on, Fiji never looked like relinquishing their grasp on proceedings as they were too often allowed to waltz their way through American Samoa's defence.

By the end of the third quarter, they had stretched their lead to 17 points, leaving American Samoa needing a dramatic turnaround in the final 10 minutes of action.

Despite their best efforts, the American Samoans were unable to recover as Fiji exerted their dominance in the final quarter.

American Samoa were able to reduce the arrears to 12 points half-way through the last period but their fightback was too little, too late as Fiji saw out a commanding win to ensure they were crowned champions, moving level with Tahiti on four Pacific Games women's basketball golds.

Valerie Nainima scored 16 points as top scorer while Mickaelar Whippy had 15 points to her name.

"The win is a very special one to the team. We came here with the mission to win gold and we have achieved that," Nainima said after the game.

"This is a special one for me as well, I don't know if I would return to the Pacific Games. But it has been a good learning experience for the younger ones as well.

"I am thankful to all those who have supported us and ensured that we reach here."

Fiji has now earned a place in the World Championship qualifiers.

 

Source: http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=313543