Malta made short shrift of a struggling Gibraltar outfit, who had to bear the brunt of a confident side, as the locals recorded their second win, and are now the only team without defeat.
The Maltese girls put on a commanding performance, and the whole team, subs and all, had a satisfying evening. If these young women stay in this mood, then they could go all the way in this tournament.
The Maltese girls pressed from the start, and had already netted three hoops, from different players, before Gibraltar could reply.
Malta were still in command, and Dana McKeon put in a trey. The visitors rallied a little, but the locals could reply till the end of the quarter, to establish a first session lead.
Gibraltar opened up the second period with a basket, but Malta’s reply started off with a Steffi Demartino trey, and went on to an 8-0 run, as Christina Grima led her team. Play then was not so accurate, as the Maltese created their chances, but failed to finish off. At the interval the Maltese girls were 23-9 in front.
After the break Malta went into their stride again. After an initial Jean Doughty hoop, Grima again took the game in hand, and eight personal points left Gibraltar trailing badly. Susan Edwards replied for the visitors, as coach, Salvo Coppa, introduced some bench players. A 6-0 Gibraltar run was decisively stopped, and till the end of the quarter a further 9-0 run put the locals on a 45-16 advantage.
Malta’s suns were on again in the last session, and they did their team proud, as they played their hearts out. Justine Busuttil sank a trey, in an 8-0 run, with Gibraltar desperate to avoid a bigger defeat. This comprehensive win augurs well for today’s encounter, against Monaco.
In the other game of the day Monaco were surprised by a lively Andorra side, who recorded their second win in three matches, winning 57-45
MALTA: 3 E. Moore, 2 S. Tabone, 21 C. Grima, 3 L. Calleja, L. Sciberras, 7 J. Doughty, 7 J. Busuttil, R. Naudi, 3 S. demartino, 5 D. McKeon, 3 K. Tonna, 3 A. Muscat
GIBRALTAR: 4 Z. Reyes, A. Mauro, G. Linares, M. Rodriguez, 3 S. Edwards, 6 L. Byrne, 5 M. Parody, H. Currie, L. Ocana, 2 A. Philips, A. Rowbottom, 2 K. Gomez Netto
REFEREES: M. Glod (LUX), B. Runarsson (ICE)