Samoa women’s basketball side go off to a strong start at the 2016 FIBA U18 Oceania Championships at the Vodafone Arena in Suva yesterday.

The Samoans proved too strong for Fiji winning 47-26.

The two teams got off to a scrappy start in the first quarter as Samoa led 3-2.

But they got to business in the second quarter to lead 19-8 at halftime.

Samoa coach Stephen Hettig said they aim to return home with gold.

“We came here to win and that’s our intention. At first we were a bit nervous because Fiji has a good reputation and they are physically tough but it was a good game.”

Including four overseas-based players, Samoa extended their lead 35-17 in the third quarter and finished off with a 47-26 win.

Fijian coach Esala Ligani Banuve said they failed to play to plan.

“We started off well but we messed up as the game progresses. We didn’t play according to game plan but I don’t blame the girls,” Banuve said.

Fijians will face Tahiti in their second game today.

“We will have to work on our defence,” Banuve said.

The Samoan women will play Australia in their second match today.

In other earlier results yesterday the Australian women walloped Tahiti 125-5 while the Australia men defeated Tahiti 95-14.

Edited by Osea Bola

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