Sailors sail over Amesii in Grand Final Qualifier

The Southern Sailors secured their place in the “Big Dance” after defeating the CivPac Amesii with an 82-59 margin in the Port Moresby Elite Basketball (PEB) Men’s Grand Final Qualifier on Sunday, 20 September 2026, at Sir John Guise Stadium Indoor Complex.

In front of a packed stadium, the two teams delivered a highly entertaining, physical, and fast-paced basketball contest, leaving the supporters on the edge of their seats and shouting at the top of their lungs. 

Sailors and Amesii met twice in the regular season and drew on those two occasions. With both sides possessing attacking threats, the fans expected a thrilling finish, but the Sailors proved too strong and advanced to the grand final. 

Amesii started the opening quarter with high energy, leading the contest 19-14. However, the Sailors found their rhythm in the second quarter, holding a 36-32 lead at halftime. 

Kaugere’s Gulf men maintained their lead in the third quarter (59-44) and blew Amesii off the court in the final quarter with a resounding 82-59 victory.

Emerging point guard Kevin Kaia stuffed the stat sheet, scoring 23 points (the highest points), followed by Apia Muri’s 18 points, Purari Muri’s 13 points, Matthew Kairi’s 11 points, Opex Kima’s 6 points, Obert Muri’s 6 points, and Eddie Moses’ 4 points. 

For Amesii, Harold Elavo Jr scored 16 points, Ipai Willie registered 12 points, Moses Lune bagged 11 points, Abbie Paul picked up 9 points, and Augustine Kaupa collected 6 points.

The Muri brothers, comprising Purari, Apia, and Obert, controlled the tempo of the 40-minute contest, supported by Kevin Kaia, Matthew Kairi, Opex Kima, Ryan Tetemo, and Eddie Moses. 

Sailors joined the PEB competition this year and immediately made their presence known, remaining undefeated throughout the regular season and maintaining their unblemished record to the grand final. 

The newcomers, Southern Sailors, featuring seasoned basketball players and led by the Muri brothers, are sitting in a prime position to claim the elite competition in their inaugural campaign. 

PC: Port Moresby Elite Basketball (PEB)