APIA (Samoa) - Cook Islands made history with a win to join host Samoa in the Semi-Finals with Australia and New Zealand.
The Cook Islands created a landmark moment in their basketball history at the FIBA U17 Women’s Oceania Cup, defeating Guam 62-53 to secure the first-ever women’s victory for the nation at a FIBA Oceania youth event.
The win also put Cook Islands in the Semi-Finals.
For a program that has endured growing pains - including a winless U15 Women’s Oceania Cup campaign in 2024 - the breakthrough victory reflects the progress of a rising generation and the development work happening behind the scenes.
The Cook Islands controlled the contest with disciplined team play, holding the lead for 16:04, pushing the pace off turnovers, and dominating key interior areas such as points in the paint (36) and offensive rebounds (13).
A driving force in the win was Aphrodite Piri, who posted 16 points and 7 rebounds, spoke proudly about the significance of the moment.
When asked who she was impressed with today, she didn’t hesitate:
"Everyone! It was a team effort."
Representing the Cook Islands for the first time made the win even more meaningful for the young standout.
It means a lot. Mom and dad are from the Cook Islands. Getting to represent my country, I'm proud of it."
Aside of Piri, Cook Islands also saw Latysha Iotua score 16 points on 5 three pointers, while Bridgette Kata also put 11 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals.
Their defensive energy was equally important, forcing 16 Guam turnovers, which disrupted Guam’s rhythm and created vital transition opportunities.
Guam were led by the tournament’s most prolific scorer so far , Lana Caparoso Quinata, who poured in 28 points along with 9 rebounds and constant pressure on the rim. However, Guam’s difficulties converting shots (25 FG%, 13 3PT%) ultimately prevented a sustained comeback.
Despite the loss, Guam's competitiveness ensured a close contest deep into the second half, but the Cook Islands' composure and team execution delivered a historic and emotional victory - one that will be remembered for years to come in their basketball community.
Samoa delivered a strong response less than 24 hours after their narrow loss to New Zealand, defeating Fiji 78-50 in the Qualification to Semi-Finals to join Cook Islands in the list of final four teams.
Playing without their captain Tereise Sufia Reupena, who suffered an injury in the previous game, Samoa leaned on their depth, defensive pressure, and emotional resolve to take control from the second quarter onward. After a tight early stretch featuring multiple lead changes, Samoa broke the game open with an 18–0 scoring run and never looked back, holding the lead for nearly the entire contest.
The hosts dominated key statistical categories. Samoa's balanced scoring attack featured four players in double digits, led by Marley Sialeipata, who poured in 20 points on 8-of-16 shooting, along with 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals in an energetic all-around performance.
Reflecting on the win, Sialeipata opened by dedicating the performance to their sidelined captain:
"It was pretty slow at first. We were kind of missing our captain - she [got hurt] last game. We just wanted to win for her because we love her and wanted to do her proud. We stuck it out and we got the win in the end. Pretty proud of my girls."
Samoa's sense of motivation was amplified by the chance to play on home soil - something Sialeipata described with deep gratitude:
"It feels amazing, nothing but absolute gratitude. I'm so happy to be here with my family, and have all of our families supporting us back in Samoa."
"It's just so amazing to have them cheer for us live. There's just no better feeling than that."
Among Samoa’s standout performers was Fo’i Lemana, who delivered 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists, controlling the interior throughout. Sialeipata praised her teammates’ heart and consistency:
"... Definitely Fo'i, she's an absolute beast in the key, and Tapu[itea] - our bigs never stop trying, and we love their effort always."
Today's victory also represented emotional recovery from the previous night's dramatic finish against New Zealand.
"That game last night, it was really hard and we stuck it out. We gave them a good game. I'm so happy we could play together and we were really close, but we did our best - we can only be proud of that.”
Fiji battled through a challenging offensive night, with Trinity Vakacavu leading the team with 15 points and 8 steals.
Despite the loss, Fiji found success converting turnovers into transition opportunities (25 points off turnovers), but ultimately struggled against Samoa's physicality and depth.
Samoa's victory moves them forward into the Semi-Finals - and with a home crowd firmly behind them.
Australia closed out the day with a commanding 98-48 victory over New Zealand in the seeding game, reaffirming their tournament credentials with another display of elite depth, discipline, and pace.
The Sapphires expected a battle, and they got one early - but their commitment to structure and scouting quickly took control of the game.
"We knew New Zealand were going to be a tough game, but just sticking to our style of basketball and being locked in on the scout[ing report] was the key to winning," said Cheyenne Bobongie, who had 9 points and 5 assists..
Australia's balance once again shone through, with every player contributing to a performance built on unselfishness and relentless pressure. Sitaya Fagan (16 points, 13 rebounds) powered the squad, Taryn Bond (17 points) caught fire, and Isabel Smith (11 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals) brought two-way intensity from start to finish.
Bobongie highlighted just how important that trio was:
"Taryn, Isabel and Sitaya were huge for us - just elite scorers. It's great to play alongside them because it’s so easy to gel with them and push the pace."
Australia shot 52 percent from the field, forced 20 turnovers, and turned those into 31 points, while also getting 42 points off the bench - another reminder that this squad can produce contributors from anywhere in the rotation.
When asked about her own strong showing, the response was simple:
“Just being locked in on the scout - we all prepared well.”
The Sapphires now shift into Semi-Finals mode, with recovery and focus the main priorities.
“Getting plenty of recovery and sleep and just maintaining being locked in,” she said of the next 24 hours.
For the youngster, this whole week marks a milestone moment - her first tournament wearing Australia’s colors.
"It's such an honour to represent my country and I'm super grateful for this opportunity."
She also credited her Basketball Without Borders Asia experience earlier this year as a key stepping stone:
"That experience was amazing in Singapore, just being around different countries and their style of play was really cool to learn. Just the physicality and matching everyone's."
New Zealand showed grit throughout, with Sahara Katene (9 points) and Kahsia Bailey-Nowell (8 points) leading the effort, but Australia's pace and precision continued to widen the gap across all four quarters.
The Sapphires head into the Semis looking every bit like the region's standard-setter - locked in, connected, and climbing toward their next challenge.
Tomorrow's games will be highlighted by the Semi-Finals wher Australia will face Cook Islands and New Zealand will face Samoa in an exciting rematch. Additionally, Guam will go up against Fiji in the Classification 5-6 game.
The FIBA U17 Oceania Cup and FIBA U17 Women’s Oceania Cup is being hosted by the Samoa National Basketball Association in Apia from December 8 to 13. The event is supported by the Government of Samoa under the Ministry of Sport and Recreation , with the two teams qualifying for the FIBA U18 Asia Cup and FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup 2026.
All games are livestreamed via the FIBA YouTube Channel in collaboration with BluWave Media.
FIBA