Wales 51

Malta 81

(14-25)(7-25)(12-20)(18-11)

The Maltese national team produced another fine display on the second day of the FIBA Europe European Championships which are being held in San Marino. This time they beat Wales convincingly.

On the opening day, Malta had beaten Scotland 75-64.

The final score 81-51 gives a clear indication of the Maltese supremacy during the game especially under the boards where there were 49 for the 32 by the Welsh.

The start of the game was a balanced affair with Malta taking a small lead of four points in the 4th minute 10-6. Malta increased the advantage 19-8; however Wales recovered with two three pointers. The session ended with a 6-0 run by Malta for a score of 25-14.

Malta had a great opening for the second session with a sound 15-2 run to open a strong 24 point lead 40-16. With Wales finding it hard to penetrate the Maltese defence, at halftime Malta led 50-21.

The third session was again in favour of the Maltese team including dunks by Samuel Deguara and in the fifth minute Malta kept a 37-point lead: 57-25.

David Bugeja scored a trey to increase the lead for Malta and at the end of the third quarter it was 70-33.

During the 4th and final period, the Maltese players conceded some more space in defence giving Wales the opportunity to win the quarter; however it was not enough for them and Malta obtained the second victory 81-51.

Samuel Deguara obtained a double-double with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Captain Steve Schembri had 18 points and Josh Jackson had four assists.

In Group A, Moldova opened with a victory against Gibraltar 81-62 whilst Andorra obtained a 96-47 victory against the same Gibraltar.