Southern Sailors sail to Championship Glory

The Southern Sailors claimed the PNG LNG ExxonMobil-sponsored Port Moresby Elite Basketball (PEB) competition after defeating the Har Hurum Tribes Coffee with an 85-58 scoreline on Sunday, 4 October 2026, at Sir John Guise Stadium Indoor Complex. 

The first quarter opened to a fiery start, with both sides speeding up the tempo of the game and scoring points back and forth. The Sailors took a 20-18 lead in the first quarter and dominated the ensuing three quarters.

Sailors controlled the match in the second quarter, extending the lead to 43-29. The Kaugere men ran away in the third quarter (68-41) and put the game beyond reach in the last quarter with a comprehensive victory. 

Tribes Coffee started brightly in the opening quarter, trailing the Sailors by 2 points. However, the men in green put the cue in the rack in the second quarter, with the Sailors unleashing their offensive prowess to shut down the Tribes men.

Sailors, mentored by Papua New Guinea’s basketball legend and household name, Moi Muri, the Gulf men came firing with all guns blazing in their rookie season and flexed their championship credentials.

Emerging prospect Kevin Kaia stuffed the stats sheet, scoring 20 points, making 4 assists, and collecting 4 rebounds. The youngster not only helped the Sailors clinch the coveted title but also won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award.

Seasoned campaigners, Purari Muri and Apia Muri, were instrumental in guiding a mix of experience and youthful Southern Sailors’ side, supported by Obert Muri, Opex Kima, Ryan Tetemo, Matthew Kairi, Eddie Moses, and Benaiah John.

Conversely, Tribes Coffee’s two consistent performers, young Allan Millard and Cornelius Muri, registered 20 points, respectively, while captain Collin Pine, Emmanuel Parapa, Jesse Pine, and Max Warabe trailed with the points.

The Moi Muri-coached outfit pocketed K30,000, while Tribes Coffee received K15,000. The seafarers scooped the PEB title and lucrative cash prize, capping off their inaugural campaign on a high note and aiming to defend their title next season.  

Sailors, who joined the PEB competition this year, came firing on all cylinders, winning every match from the regular season to the grand final, and walked away with the bragging rights as the unbeatable champions. They drew twice with the CivPac Amesii in the normal season.