Despite their good run in the elimination round, the Palau men’s basketball squad did not get the needed push as they settled for the bronze medal in the 8th Micronesian Games held in Pohnpei.

After finishing strong in the elimination round, Palau move on to the cross over semifinals and met the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The RMI team handed Palau its first lost in the competition via 69-64.

In the other semis game, Guam beat Kosrae, 78-60 to move to the gold medal round and meet RMI.

With the loss, Palau faced Kosrae and went on to win the game at 72-70 to take the bronze medal while Guam took the gold medal with its 88-50 trashing over RMI.

In the distaff side, Guam took the gold after beating RMI, 77-31 while CNMI took the bronze after their 83-59 victory over Pohnpei.

The Palau men’s basketball team is coached by Logan Ngiriou with Rayson King as assistant coach. The team is composed of Sunshine Soalablai, Raddison Dorado, Douglas Schmidt Jr., Gino Smau, Armando Canseco, Marvic Ngchar, Arnold Undecimo, Reid Una Rikrik, Traxx Mark Remeliik, Edward Baysa and Willer Franz.

On the other hand, the Palau women’s basketball team is composed of Israel Brel and Weston Ketebengang calling the shots from the bench. The team will have Mahealani Adelbai, Meangeldil Azuma Malsol, Rosella Fernando, Trang Sarabeth Ksano, Oreng Ngemaes, Trinity Misech, Marley Rabauliman, Desiree Seid, Vaidil Uherbelau, Chantal Vanderberg and Sweety Kalbesang. By Peter Erick L. Magbanua (Island Times News)