TOAHOTU (Tahiti) - Tonga have been crowned champions of the FIBA Polynesian Cup 2026 after defeating hosts Tahiti 74-69 in a thrilling Final at the Salle Omnisports de Toahotu.
Tonga made a strong start to the championship game, racing to a 25-16 advantage after the opening quarter. Despite a spirited response from Tahiti, who took a one-point lead at halftime, Tonga regained control in the third quarter and held off the hosts to secure the title.
Jimitose Foamotu Iosia Sipeli led the champions with 21 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists, while Luke Sinisa added 10 points and 9 rebounds.
Speaking after the victory, Sipeli credited his teammates for their collective effort.
"Big credit to the boys. We stuck to our game plan. We did really well. Really happy with all of our efforts. It was a team win for sure," he said.
Hiro Bonnet led Tahiti's challenge with 21 points, including five three-pointers, but the hosts ultimately had to settle for runners-up.
Earlier, Samoa secured third-place with an entertaining 101-94 victory over Cook Islands in the Third-Place Game.
Samoa established a commanding 33-20 lead in the opening quarter and never trailed, although Cook Islands battled back to keep the contest competitive.
Dru-Leo Leusogi Ape delivered an outstanding performance with 35 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists and 5 steals, finishing with a game-high efficiency of 42.
Samuta Sielu Avea provided another huge contribution with 32 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists as Samoa held off Cook Islands, who were led by Kennedy Jallow's 28 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists.
The result also secured Samoa's qualification for the Pacific Games 2027, alongside Tonga, as the two highest-ranked teams at the Polynesian Cup outside of hosts Tahiti, who qualify automatically.
"I'm very proud to take Samoa to the Pacific Games and compete next year in Tahiti again," said Ape after the victory.
"We want to go for the gold. The team's got a lot of training and development to do, and we're going to come back."
Tonga and Samoa join Federated States of Micronesia, Papua New Guinea and Fiji who have already secured their places at the Pacific Games 2027. Tahiti are already qualified as hosts.
Final standings of the FIBA Polynesian Cup 2026
Tonga
Tahiti
Samoa
Cook Islands
American Samoa
FIBA