In a gripping and enthralling match between two very even teams, Guam were able to control the tempo of the game and were never headed until the final three minutes of the fourth quarter. Always with five points of the Guamanians, whenever New Caledonia came within sight of overhauling the lead, the very next play for Guam would result in a swift conversion (often time a three-pointer).

It is amazing in the sport of basketball how momentum shifts can change on the littlest things. With 3.01 to go, Guam had applied intense defensive pressure on the cagou players and it looked for all money that a twenty-four second violation would occur. However, releasing the ball a micro-second before the siren sounded, Emmanuel Soeria Ovamba made a desparation heave from just inside the half-court that changed the outcome of the game. It marked the first time in the match that New Caledonia hit the lead and through the strong inside presence of Rodrigue Tetainuarii in the last two minutes, New Caledonia was able to hang on to claim their first ever basketball gold medal at a South Pacific Games. For New Caledonia, Emmanuel Soeria Ovamba had a game high 28 points that included seven three-point baskets and Rodrigue Tetainuarii scored 20 points all in the second half. For Guam Vince Estella scored 22 points and Seve Susuico 15 points.

Worthy winners of the Gold Medal in Men's Basketball at the 12th South Pacific Games - New Caledonia.