Papua New Guinea dominated the FIBA Melanesia Basketball Cup ©FIBA

 Papua New Guinea had cause to celebrate as their men and women won both competitions of the  inaugural International Basketball Association (FIBA) Melanesia Cup in Port Moresby. 

The women defeated Fiji 77-58 at the Taurama Aquatic and Indoor Centre in a competition for nations of the newly formed Melanesia FIBA Oceania sub-zone

After an undefeated group phase, they capitalised on this momentum and the home crowd to defeat the 2015 Pacific Games gold medallists.

Due to their outstanding performances, both Papua New Guinea and Fiji have qualified for the 2019 Pacific Games in Samoa. 

They will be joined by third-placed New Caledonia after their 81-63 win against the Solomon Islands.

"We haven't played in a gold medal game for years so it's nice to be a part of it and especially because it is at home," said Papua New Guinea's Marca Muri.

"It is a big achievement for us."

Papua New Guinea's men and women had every reason to celebrate winning their first FIBA Melanesia Cup ©FIBA
Papua New Guinea's men and women had every reason to celebrate winning their first FIBA Melanesia Cup  ©FIBA

In the men's competition,  Papua New Guinea capped off their undefeated run by overcoming New Caledonia 81-61 to lift the Cup. 

Leahy Martineng-Lakah continued his solid play with 17 crucial points in the biggest game of the event.

Both countries earned qualification to the 2019 Pacific Games.

They will be joined by third-placed Fiji after their 63-43 win against the Solomon Islands.

The three countries will now wait to see who will join them in the 2019 Pacific Games from the Polynesia and Micronesia regions.