PAPEETE (Tahiti) - Tahiti powered past Tonga 98-87 in a high-scoring Day Four clash at the FIBA Polynesian Cup 2026, with a brilliant shooting performance from Rahiti Tekarohi Raihel Tinirauari helping the hosts maintain their unbeaten run in Toahotu.
Tahiti made the brighter start, but Tonga responded with a strong second quarter to ensure there was little separating the teams at the main break. The hosts again found another level after half-time, edging ahead through the third before pouring in 29 points in the final period to close out the victory.
For Tinirauari, Tahiti’s ability to adjust and respond after the break has become an important part of their performances throughout the tournament.
I think it’s correcting the mistakes from the first half and then having that mentality to come out stronger in the second half and punch first
Tinirauari was at the centre of the victory, producing his best scoring performance of the tournament with 37 points, including nine three-pointers from 13 attempts, while also collecting eight rebounds.
Despite his individual performance, Tinirauari was quick to credit the confidence he takes from those around him after another strong team showing.
"I just try to stay locked in every time we play, take it day by day and try to be better every day, even if it’s just one percent," he said. "The trust from my teammates helps my confidence a lot too, so I’ve got to give credit to them."
Playing at home has added another dimension to Tinirauari’s tournament, with the vocal support inside Salle Omnisports de Toahotu continuing to provide Tahiti with a significant lift.
It’s always a pleasure to have all the people, the whole island, here. To play in front of your whole family and your whole town, that’s a blessing.
Tahiti also found contributions throughout the lineup, with Taumaiterani Luis Perez adding 12 points, Rayan Raoulx pulling down 12 rebounds and Hiro Bonnet handing out eight assists.
Tonga continued to apply pressure throughout behind Marcus Alipate and Luke Sinisa, who scored 22 points apiece. Sinisa completed a double-double with 12 rebounds, while Alipate added seven assists and connected on five three-pointers.
Earlier in the day, the Cook Islands produced a spirited performance to overcome American Samoa, responding to a challenging opening few days of competition with renewed energy and intent.
Coming into the contest determined to embrace a fresh opportunity, the Cook Islands established themselves early and found contributions across the group. Their performance was built around collective energy and confidence, with Kennedy Jallow among those making an impact as the Cook Islands took control of the contest.
For Hunter Bates, the result reflected the mentality the group carried into the game after a difficult start to their campaign.
"I feel like we came in with nothing to lose,” Bates said. "The last couple of days had been a bit rough for us, but it was a new day and a fresh start. We just wanted to come out with energy and bring it."
The victory was made even more meaningful by the connections within the Cook Islands group. Bates has shared the court with several of his teammates previously through the FIBA Oceania 3x3 basketball Camp on the Gold Coast in 2024, making the opportunity to now compete together in the national colours particularly special.
It’s a different type of feeling. I’m getting tingles just thinking about it because they’re my brothers.
"We know each other going back to 3x3 on the Gold Coast a couple of years ago, but playing with them here is a different type of feeling. I love it."
Making his first appearance for the Cook Islands at FIBA level, Bates has also been able to share the experience with his younger sister, adding another layer of significance to a week he described as difficult to put into words.
"This whole opportunity is amazing and I really don’t have the words to express how I feel," he said.
"I’ve always wanted to represent my country and being able to come home and put on the white and green is a different type of feeling. I love it."
With two days of competition remaining, Bates said the focus would quickly turn towards recovery, managing any niggles and preparing the body for what comes next.
Men's teams from the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Tahiti (host) have already qualified for the Pacific Games 2027, with the top two placed teams at the FIBA Polynesian Cup 2026 to also secure their spot.
The 2026 editions of the FIBA Polynesian Cup and FIBA Women's Polynesian Cup have tipped off in Toahotu, Tahiti and will conclude with finals games on October 24.