Australia celebrate U19 Oceania Championship title

Alanna Smith

Australia earned the U19 Oceania Championship title. They overcame their archrivals New Zealand 98:65 in the Final in Suva today. Alanna Smith (188-PF-96) stepped up with 21 points to pace the winners. Australia ensured a 46:25 halftime lead. They unleashed 52 points in the second half to cruise to the victory. Tahlia Tupaea (174-G-97) had 18 points, while Anneli Maley (184-G-98) contributed 12 points and 17 rebounds for the champions. Krystal Leger-Walker (177-G-97) responded with 15 points for New Zealand. Maia Wilson (193-F-97) had 12 points in the loss.
Guam stepped onto the pedestal following a 54:48 victory over Tahiti in the consolation final. Destiny Castro came up with 20 points to pace Guam. Vainui Tehoiri and Aeata Tepu responded with 18 points each for Tahiti.
New Caledonia earned the fifth position with a 65:38 win over Papua New Guinea, while Fiji finished seventh with an 87:44 rout of Solomon Islands.