Malta's men's national team won the FIBA Small Nations European Championship after beating Norway 75-59 in the final in Serravalle in San Marino.

Malta took a good 22-8 advantage in the first quarter and never looked back to maintain the lead throughout the final game. By half-time Malta led by 14 points 35-21.

In the third quarter the locals increased their lead to 19 points with the score standing at 66-37. Norway only won the last quarter 22-19, but Malta claimed the title convincingly.

Samuel Deguara was Malta's leading scorer with 24 points, followed by Tevin Falzon with 16, David Bugeja and Aaron Falzon both with eleven, Jacob Formosa with 6, Kurt Cassar with 4, and Rodrick Vella with 3 points.

The Maltese coached by Andrea Paccarie and assisted by Ruben Baldacchino, beat Andorra 96-64, and Ireland 76-65 on their way to the final. In the semi-final played on Saturday Malta easily disposed of Gibraltar with the best score of 102-57.

 

Women’s team obtains bronze in Cork

Meanwhile the women’s team also faced Norway yesterday in the bronze medal match in the FIBA Small Nations European Championship that was held in Cork Ireland. The Maltese girls claimed the bronze medal beating Norway 67-59.

The Maltese girls had lost their Group A opener against Denmark, but then went on to beat Moldovia by an impressive 122-32 score line, and also a 71-32 win over Gibraltar. Malta then lost Saturday’s semi-final against Luxembourg 47-62 to face Norway in the bronze medal match.

Samantha Maree Brincat was Malta’s top-scorer against Norway with a total of 20 points. She was followed by Ashley Stephanie Vella with 12, Stephanie De Martino with 11, Christina Grima and Josephine Grima, both with 10 points, and Christina Curmi with 4 points.