Four teams from the FIBA Polynesian Cup 2026 in Tahiti have secured their places at the 2027 Pacific Games.
Men’s champions Tonga defeated Tahiti 74-69 in a a hard-fought final to secure their spot.
With Tahiti automatically qualified as the Games host, the third-place playoff provided a direct route to qualification, with Samoa securing the ticket after overcoming the Cook Islands 101-94.
In the women’s competition, American Samoa and Samoa both qualified, with American Samoa claiming gold after defeating Samoa 79-65 in the final.
The teams that have now qualified for the Pacific Games in the men’s competition are Tahiti (French Polynesia) as the host nation, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Samoa.
Women’s teams will feature Tahiti (French Polynesia), Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Guam, Papua New Guinea, American Samoa and Samoa.
Polynesian Cup review
FIBA said Tonga claimed the men’s Polynesian Cup title with a strong start to the championship game, racing to a 25-16 advantage after the opening quarter at the weekend.
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.
Sipeli credited his teammates for their collective effort after the win.
“Big credit to the boys. We stuck to our game plan,” her told FIBA.
“We did really well. Really happy with all of our efforts. It was a team win for sure.”
Earlier, Samoa secured third-place with an entertaining 101-94 victory over Cook Islands.
Samoa established a commanding 33-20 lead in the opening quarter and never trailed in the game.
Top players
Tonga’s Luke Sinisa was the tournament’s top individual male player.
FIBA said the Tongan forward capped off an impressive tournament in which he averaged 16.2 points, 12.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.
Sinisa also headlines the All-Star Five alongside Tonga teammate Marcus Alipate, Samoa’s Dru-Leo Leusogi Ape and Samuta Sielu Avea, and Tahiti’s Rahiti Tinirauarii.
In the women’s competition, American Samoa’s victory marks a historic milestone for the country.
That was their first-ever podium finish at the competition and added the Women’s Polynesian Cup crown.
Sarah Smith led the champions with 23 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists.
She was also part of American Samoa’s Gold Medal-winning team at the Pacific Games 2019.
“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 with FIBA.
“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.
American Samoa’s Nevaeh Asiasi claims the tournament’s top individual honor after leading her team to a historic first title.
FIBA said the American Samoa standout played a pivotal role in her team’s championship campaign, averaging a tournament-high 18.3 points and 7.5 assists, along with 6.8 rebounds per game.
Asiasi headlines the All-Star Five alongside American Samoa teammate Isabella Cravens, Samoa’s Malama Leaupepe, Cook Islands’ Elianna Tuaiti and Tahiti’s Oceane Lefranc.
