Tonga’s women’s 3×3 basketball team has claimed one of the early surprises of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, defeating host nation Scotland 12-10 in a tense opening match led by sisters Mele and Lesila Finau.

The victory marked a significant moment for Team Tonga, making its Commonwealth Games debut in the women’s 3×3 competition after qualifying earlier this year. It also highlighted the close bond between the Finau sisters, who shared the court in one of the nation’s biggest basketball wins on the international stage.

Mele and Leslia Finau. Image: Glasgow 2026

Speaking after the match, younger sister Mele Finau said Lesila had been her inspiration throughout her life.

“She has been my role model for the past 20-something years,” Mele said. “It has been great having her by my side and representing our country together. Sibling love can be a bit of tough love at times, but it definitely helps on the court.”

The emotional victory over Scotland was followed by a challenging 21-8 defeat to New Zealand, one of the tournament favourites. However, Tonga responded strongly later in the day, edging Papua New Guinea 12-10 to finish with two wins from three matches.

The fast-paced 3×3 format made its Commonwealth Games debut in Birmingham in 2022 and has expanded to a 12-team competition in Glasgow, reflecting its growing popularity across the Commonwealth.

Tonga is among several Pacific nations competing, alongside Fiji and Papua New Guinea, underlining the region’s increasing presence in international basketball.

Last month, both of Tonga’s men’s and women’s teams won the FIBA 3×3 Nations League – Pacific, securing places at the FIBA 3×3 Under-23 World Cup in China for the first time.