TOAHOTU (Tahiti) - American Samoa have been crowned champions of the FIBA Women's Polynesian Cup 2026 for the first time after defeating Samoa 79-65 in the Final in Tahiti.
The victory marks a historic milestone for American Samoa, who secured their first-ever podium finish at the competition and added the Women's Polynesian Cup crown.
Samoa made the stronger start to the championship game, building a nine-point advantage in the opening quarter. However, American Samoa fought their way back into contention and took control in the second half, maintaining their lead until the final buzzer.
Sarah Smith led the champions with 23 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists, while Katherine Peneueta and Sirena Tuitele contributed 16 points apiece. Tuitele also pulled down 12 rebounds, while Isabella Cravens recorded another double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds.
Nevaeh Asiasi added 12 points and 6 assists to help American Samoa complete their historic campaign.
For Smith, who was also part of American Samoa's Gold Medal-winning team at the Pacific Games 2019 with Paneueta, the triumph carried an even deeper personal significance.
Having come out of retirement to represent her country once again, Smith revealed that she wore jersey No. 37 in honor of her late father.
"I came out of retirement for this, so it not only meant a lot to put American Samoa on my chest, but I was also playing for my dad, which is why I wore 37," she shared.
"I felt him all the way through every game today, and this week."
Smith was also quick to credit her teammates for the historic achievement.
"It was an overall team effort from the top of the squad to our people on the bench. Everyone put in something today, and every point mattered, offensively, defensively," she said.
"We built momentum. We built trust, and we built strength."
For Samoa, Malama Leaupepe delivered 22 points, 9 rebounds and 8 steals, while Hildegard Matthes contributed 15 points.
Despite falling short of their first title, Samoa continued their impressive record of consistency with a third consecutive podium finish at the Women's Polynesian Cup.
American Samoa's triumph also means a new champion has been crowned after Cook Islands won the first two editions of the competition in 2018 and 2022.
Cook Islands claimed the Bronze Medal with a dramatic 57-48 comeback victory over hosts Tahiti.
After trailing by 10 points early in the fourth quarter following a 14-0 Tahiti run, Cook Islands produced an extraordinary 24-5 finish to turn the game around and secure their third consecutive podium finish.
Elianna Tuaiti led Cook Islands with 16 points and 15 rebounds, while Bridgette Kata contributed 13 points and 5 assists.
For Tahiti, Moina Michelle Tuieinui-Le Beherec delivered an impressive performance with 6 points, 17 rebounds and 3 blocks.
Speaking after the victory, Kata, who was making her first appearance with the senior national team after progressing through the youth ranks, praised her team's togetherness.
"It was amazing. I think we worked really well as a team. We were down. We had a lot of errors, but we brought it back as a team, so I think that's the main thing," she said.
Kata also reflected on the significance of representing Cook Islands and connecting with her heritage.
"I've learned so much about my culture. Staying together with older girls has been a big inspiration for me."
American Samoa and Samoa also secured qualification for the Pacific Games 2027 as the two highest-ranked teams at the FIBA Women's Polynesian Cup, while Tahiti have qualified automatically as hosts. They join the women's teams from the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Guam, Papua New Guinea, who have already qualified for the Pacific Games 2027.
Final standings of the FIBA Women's Polynesian Cup 2026
American Samoa
Samoa
Cook Islands
Tahiti
FIBA