APIA, Samoa (Polynesian Cup 2018) - Host Samoa will face group phase tormentor Tahiti in the Finals of the FIBA Polynesian Cup today.

The Tahitians outlasted the home country in a thrilling 77-76 victory to deal them their only loss in the tournament.

Samoa star big man Theodore McFarland is raring to give their hometown fans a treat in the Gold medal game of the Polynesian Cup.

"It is very important for us to win because this is the first time we have played in front of our people," said the 6'6 center.

"We want to put basketball up there because in Samoa it's always about rugby and even others sports more than basketball," he added.

McFarland scored 14 points in their loss to Tahiti, his lowest output in the tournament.

"Our goal is to win the Polynesian Cup. We reviewed some of the games we will have a different strategy for them." - Theo McFarland

 "In our first game so we made a lot of mistakes especially defensively. It wasn't enough for us to get the win but I think we have improved over the last few days," he added.

Samoa won their next three games with McFarland stamping his class in their win against Tonga with a tremendous stat line of 30 points, 14 rebounds, six assists four steals and three blocks.

"I hope more people come to watch our game tomorrow (today) and we promise to give our 100 percent effort in the final," said McFarland.