The first period witnessed the CNMI cagers going neck and neck with their rivals, leaving a three-point deficit in the end of the first period.
During the period, the game was full of tension as each team tried to outdo each other on the scoreboard with their respective baskets.
Wearing no. 13 jersey, Marvin Rabauliman, and no. 8, Jericho Cruz, provided the first baskets for CNMI during the first quarter.
However, CNMI lost connection with the basket in the second quarter of play; CNMI cagers missed several opportunities to score, and some failed.
By the third quarter, CNMI trailed by as much as 15 points. The team was not able to gain momentum in the process as New Caledonia stepped up with more shots.
Francois Dabin Brien-Jeffrey Dassule led New Caledonia with a 15-point win.
Scores:
New Caledonia – 63: Francois Dabin – 12; Brien-Jeffrey Dassule – 10; Alexandre Ha Ho – 9; Steeven Seelant – 6; Thibault Cure – 7; Beniela Adjougniope – 9; Brice Vakalepu – 1; Karyl Verons – 2; and Paul-Emile Boawe – 7.
CNMI – 48: William Babauta – 6; Jayven Tarkong – 10; Joseph White – 2; Jericho Cruz – 16; Jomary Tumaquip – 4; Antonio Borja – 4; and Marvin Rabauliman – 6.
