Malta chalked up its first win in the tournament after their narrow defeat against Wales the day before. Malta thus kept it’s hopes alive for a semi-final spot, when they face strong Andorra today.

Malta always seemed to have the measure of the modest Gibraltar side, as they established an early lead, and Matthew Shoults started sinking in his treys, five in all throughout the match.

By the interval Gibraltar had improved in their play but Malta had a good 39-23 lead to rely on.

After the break the Maltese lads did not find the way to basket as easy before, but they held on to their lead, increasing it slightly, as Giraltar showed their limitations.

The last session was played at a blistering pace as Malta’s bench players had a taste of the game, ending up with practically the second string.

Gibraltar were still thwarted as they tried to reduce their deficit and Malta strolled on to their expected win.

Today the semi-final placings will be known.

Malta - G. Muscat 16, C. Busuttil, J.P. Antoncich, T. Vella, C. Cassar, K. Galea, S. Deguara, C. Calleja, E. Lupo 6, M. Shoults 18, L. Ross 6, J.P. Bonnici 12.

Gibraltar - W. Garcia 2, K. Alecio 4, C. Wright 2, D. Gomez 2, C. Medina, K. Finlayson, R. Randall 6, P. Aidasani 8, L. Bonda, T. Piris, D. Caetano 6, S. Buxton 10.

Referees - R. Hickman (England), C. Dodds (Scotland)

Other results

Group A

San Marino-Luxembourg 36-84

Group B

Andorra-Wales 98-48

Monaco-Scotland 64-107

Today’s fixtures

2pm San Marino-Monaco

4.15pm Wales-Gibraltar

6.30pm Luxembourg-Scotland

8.45pm Malta-Andorra