KAITAIA (New Zealand) – With Pacific Games qualification on the line, Samoa stepped up to be in the mix heading in the final day of the FIBA Polynesian Cup 2022, defeating Tahiti 76-52.

Tahiti’s stamina and fight was impressive, but it wasn’t enough even with an impressive 17 points from captain Maea Lextreyt.

Malama Leaupepe continued her dominant ways for Samoa with 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Sienna Tutani finished with a match high, 18 points.  In her best performance of the tournament, Azaleeah Oloapu made her presence felt with a double-double, 14-14.

“It was a tough game, they had a lot of good players on their team, it was hard for us coming in knowing how good they were but after yesterday’s loss, we were like ‘this is our time to step up’ and we had to win, no matter what,” Oloapu said.  “I think we all did great, the girls played awesome, and we won so it was great.

“A lot of girls are willing to play for Samoa, to represent our country and build something more and that’s why we are here, to represent our country and let the world know that Samoa is here to play.”

In the final match of the day, Tonga put up a strong fight but the defending champions for from the Cook Islands triumphed 73-51.

Captain, Keziah Lewis led from the front with Terai Sadler impressing defensively with 19 rebounds.  Zarya Poulava was strong under the rim and finished with 17 points to cap off an impressive game.

“I wouldn’t have those points if it wasn’t for my teammates, so I’d like to acknowledge them, my points are their points,” Poulava said.  “We had a rough start, we picked it up, controlled what we could and came together for the win.”

Representing her country for the first time, Poulava is honoured to be playing basketball at the FIBA Polynesian Cup 2022.

“It feels amazing to represent your own culture and your own family, it’s really different, coming in I was really nervous because I was representing more than just my team, it’s my family, my country and all my sisters and it’s a real privilege and honour to wear this Cook Islands singlet.”

For Tonga, captain Lesila Finau was again impressive with support from Kara-Lynne Enari.  While the FIBA Polynesian Cup 2022 campaign is over, the Tongan girls improved during the tournament and look forward to the next FIBA Polynesian Cup.

“It hasn’t been easy here, but it has been good,” Captain Finau said.  “Our girls are young, it’s our first women’s national team so we are getting better every single game.

“It’s a home away from home here at the FIBA Polynesian Cup, it’s super nice, everyone is cheering and supportive … it’s a nice atmosphere to be here.  Getting our name out there will allow other Tongan girls to believe that they can be a pro-athlete, and I hope that us being here helps them see that.”

The FIBA Polynesian Cup 2022 wraps up tomorrow at Puna Ora Stadium in Kaitaia, New Zealand with American Samoa up against Samoa at 12pm and Cook Islands taking on Tahiti 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