The Tonga women’s basketball team made a remarkable comeback to defeat Samoa 75-68 and claim bronze in their debut at the FIBA U15 Women’s Oceania Cup.
Trailing by 19 points in the second quarter, Tonga rallied behind an unexpected star performance from Ruby Cutbush. With her previous tournament high at just eight points, Cutbush exploded for 14 points in the second quarter alone, sparking a 10-0 run that shifted the game’s momentum. She finished with a team-high 16 points and five rebounds.
Kakala Ofanoa dominated the paint with six points and 13 rebounds, while Vahanoa he Ofa Wolfgramm added nine points and a game-high 18 rebounds. Star point guard Huni Folau contributed 11 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, and three steals.
“I love my team. We played hard and trained hard together,” said Ofanoa. “[Winning bronze] means a lot. We made our kingdom proud.”
In the championship game, Australia crushed New Zealand 93-44 to clinch the title, led by MVP Olivia Olechnowicz with 12 points.
Final Standings:
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Tonga
- Samoa
Tonga’s third-place finish marks a historic achievement and sets high expectations for their return in the U16 Women’s Asia Cup.
The men’s U15 team lost to Samoa 113-76 in the fight for bronze.
