KAITAIA (New Zealand) – Two epic games of basketball demonstrated the growth and development of women’s basketball across Polynesian on the third day of the FIBA Polynesian Cup 2022.

Leading by 10-points at half time, the Cook Islands looked to have the game on their terms.  However, a Hercules effort by the ladies from Samoa came back to level the scores at three-quarter time and had victory snatched away in the dying seconds of the final term with Tash Pilitati sinking a three for the Cooks.  Cooks won 79-76.

“The game isn’t finished until the final buzzer; we knew that, and we knew we were down by three at one point in the quarter and we knew at the end we needed a three and Tash was free in the corner with the confidence to shoot it and it dropped,” said Elianna Tuaiti from Cook Islands.

Terai Sadler impressed again with a double-double, 25 points and 18 rebounds with Tuaiti finishing up with 16 points and 6 rebounds in her first ever FIBA Polynesian Cup appearance.

“It was really tough, they have a couple of great players that just drive to the basket, and we had to be aware of that,” Tuaiti said.  “Our team did really well isolating their key-players, and the for us we did a good job attacking the rim and their players so we could get them into foul trouble too.

“I’m super proud to be here, representing my family, my heritage and making my debut here at the FIBA Polynesian Cup.”

Sienna Tutani, Oriana-Rose Siamoa, Azaleeah Oloapu and Captain, Malama Leaupepe all played outstanding games for the Samoans as they now look ahead to face Tahiti tomorrow and American Samoa on Saturday.

The second game of the day was equally as fascinating with Tonga showing true grit to fight back against American Samoa.  American Samoa led by as much as 15 but the Tongans would not give up drawing level on four occasions.  American Samoa eventually outlasted their worthy opponent to win, 98-88.

The Nawahine sisters dominated for America Samoa scoring 68 of the team’s points between them with the support of Mahina Hannemann-Gago and Musumaulai Galoia.

“It was a good team effort today and that was the difference today, it was a lot of fun,” said Malia Nawahine.  “I played with my sister in college and now get to play with her again which is great to represent our country.”

With a day off tomorrow, American Samoa will come up against Samoa on Saturday in the final day of the tournament.  “It’s going to be tough to go up against them, we watched them yesterday, we just have to come ready to play and recover as best as possible,” Nawahine said.

Tonga Captain, Lesila Finau impressed again with 36 points while Ana Enari and Finehika Finau all put in solid performances.

The FIBA Polynesian Cup 2022 continues tomorrow at Puna Ora Stadium in Kaitaia, New Zealand with Samoa up against the Tahiti at 5pm and Cook Islands taking on Tonga at 7:30pm 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