“Our girls fought hard and left everything on the court against Lebanon, falling just short 51-54,” Cook Islands Basketball said on its Facebook page. “We regather, reset, and get ready for the next one.”

Cook Islands played Kazakhstan last night and will take on Samoa today in their final group match.

The national side posed a serious threat to Lebanon, but it was Lara Al Nakib who came to the Lebanese rescue, FIBA reported. She tallied 22 points alongside four rebounds, five assists and three steals to help steady the ship in the endgame.

Lebanon led by as many as 17 points early in the final period, but the Cook Islands rallied back and chopped the deficit to just three, 52-49, behind a Dynahia Marsters triple from the top of the key with 2:37 remaining.

The debuting Cook Islands squad, however, struggled to find the mark afterward. Al Nakib made them pay at the free-throw line, widening the gap to 54-49 with 14 seconds left, which was more than enough to seal the deal.

Gloria Kamar backed Al Nakib up with 11 points, while the trio of Elisa Abou Jaoude, Karin Kamaz and Nour Hoteit hauled down at least eight rebounds apiece, making significant contributions to the triumph.

Leading the Cook Islands effort were Bridgette Kata and Latysha Iotua, who scored 11 points each in the fightback. Aphrodite Piri came up just short of a double-double, finishing with nine points and 12 rebounds.

Speaking to FIBA after the match, Cook Islands captain Bridgette Kata said: “I think as a team we were super happy with the outcome. We did lose by a couple, but we brought it back from a 17-point deficit.”

“So I think our energy and just the team vibe was super high and we’re super happy with that game.”

Kata also acknowledged the Cook Islands supporters in the crowd, saying they were instrumental in the team’s late comeback against Lebanon.

“I think we definitely couldn’t have brought it back like how we did without them.

“They’re amazing and I’m just super grateful for everyone that was here or watching even online. So we’re just super grateful and thanks for the support.”