HONIARA (Solomon Islands) - Cooks, Tahiti and Samoa start Pacific Games with wins in the bag ahead of a big week of competition at the Pacific Games.

In the first game of the competition, Cook Islands were too strong for Tonga winning 76-44. 

Tonga came into foul trouble early in the second half, finishing the game with four players, while Cook Islander, Te Araroa Sopoaga, finished up with a double-double to guide her team to victory.

“It was a really good match, mad respect to Tonga, they finished up with three players on the court and that’s something that is no easy for any team to do, so props to them, but very proud of our girls and how we handled ourselves,” Sopoaga said.

“There are few things that we need to work on and fix up for the next game, but we are happy with this as a start.”

Tahiti were too strong for Papua New Guinea in a frantic, fast paced match with plenty of feeling from the crowd.

Mahinetea Tavanae, Monia Tuieinui-Le Beherec, Oceane Lefranc, and Alizee Lefranc all finishes in double digits for points with Tavanae racking up 9 rebounds to start her tournament with a bang.

Mahinetea Tavanae showing poise on day one of the Pacific Games

“It was a tough first game of the tournament, it is really hot here, and we only arrived yesterday, so it was a bit tiring,” Tavanae said.  “I feel like as a team we are going to have to fight at this tournament, this is just the first game, and we will need to bring it for every game.”

In the final game of the day, the host nation couldn’t hold out the young Samoan team who took control from half time to get the win, 83-46.

Kira-May Filemu led the way with 19 points and 3 rebounds, with Tyla Paraha matching Filemu’s 19 points.

Kira-May Filemu leading the way for Samoa

“We feel good after winning the first game, but personally I feel like I have so much more to give,” Filemu said.  “It’s a team sport so it’s not just about my individual performance, so a huge credit to the girls on getting the job done.”

The Pacific Games will be hosted by Solomon Islands from November 19 – December 2, 2023.  The Pacific Games Women’s Basketball Tournament is the official qualifiers of the Oceania region to the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup Division B.