KAITAIA (New Zealand) – Tahiti stay in the winner’s circle and American Samoa get their first win of the tournament on day three of the FIBA Polynesian Cup 2022.

In the first men’s match of the day, Tahiti defeated Tonga, 77-65 in a tight tussle.

Tonga got off to a strong start against the Tahitians leading after the first quarter with Marcus Alipate and Viliami Foketi shooting through the roof to inspire their team.  Tahiti hit back in the third quarter and didn’t look back capitalising on turnovers.

Heimoana Teamotuaitau and Glenn Garbutt were strong offensively with Maui Roopina and Larry Teriitemataua standing strong in defence.  Teriitemataua said that having a balanced team was the key to their success tonight and throughout the tournament.

“It was more of a team win today, because we played good defence and helped each other out and even if I scored a lot, we won because of the teamwork,” Teriitemataua said.  “We have been working on our brand as a team and that means playing as a team.  For the next Pacific Games, we hope to bring a few new players who will also embrace our team defence spirit.”

When asked to identify a key player for the game, Teriitemataua didn’t hesitate in naming debutant Roopina.  “Maui Roopina was impressive for us with his defensive plays which really set the tone for us.”

The final game of the day did not disappoint with Cook Islands pushing American Samoa all the way making them earn their victory 91-90 in overtime.

Captain Peter Teiti, Toby Bland and Te Bluegum were all outstanding for the Cook Islands, but it wasn’t enough against the determined American Samoans.

Malaeloa Folasa, Jeremiah Tuimaseve and Virgil Burton all stood out for American Samoa with Burton finishing with 26 points.

“It was a hard-fought game, that’s why we play the game, for games like this, they were a good team, we love competition, and they gave it to us so it was all worth it,” Burton said.

“We came out with a W so over-time or not, that is better than an L, we will take it.”

Commenting on his first FIBA Polynesian Cup, Burton said; “I’m excited, this is fun these are big boys and its good competition, this is why I play the game.”

The FIBA Polynesian Cup 2022 continues tomorrow at Puna Ora Stadium in Kaitaia, New Zealand with Tonga taking on Samoa at 12pm and Cook Islands facing Tahiti at 2:30pm local time.  All games will be live streamed on the FIBA YouTube channel.

The top two teams at the Poly Cup will qualify for the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands. The Pacific Games then serves as the official qualifier for the Oceania region to the FIBA Asia Cup Pre-Qualifiers.

FIBA