Day 2 of the Elite Basketball Tournament Malta 2024 brought another evening of thrilling action at the Ta’ Qali Pavilion, featuring two senior men’s games and a women’s clash. Fans were treated to a mix of dominant wins, fierce rivalries, and top-tier basketball.
USA Select and Hibernians extended their unbeaten runs in the men’s tournament, setting up a decisive showdown between them on Friday at 6:00 pm, which will determine the overall winner of the men’s competition. In the women’s category, ARU Women cemented their place as the team to beat with another commanding victory.
The women’s competition will see a historic moment tonight with the first-ever Elite Women Cup Final, where ARU will face Hibernians at 8:00 pm at the Malta Basketball Association Pavilion.
Men’s Competition – USA Select 128–48 ARU (HT 37–29)
USA Select delivered a powerhouse performance to overwhelm ARU. The first half was relatively competitive, with the Americans holding a modest 37–29 lead.
However, the second half was completely one-sided, as USA Select’s relentless pace and depth proved too much for their opponents. Their offensive explosion secured a resounding 128–48 victory, keeping their perfect record intact ahead of the highly anticipated clash with Hibernians.
Men’s Competition – Hibernians 106–90 Starlites (HT 48–43)
Hibernians and Starlites battled fiercely in a game that went down to the final minutes. Hibernians held a slim 48–43 halftime lead but faced a resilient Starlites side that kept the game close, with the lead changing hands multiple times.
In the last two minutes, Hibernians surged ahead with a decisive run, ultimately winning 106–90 to remain unbeaten and set up Friday’s title decider against USA Select.
Women’s Competition – ARU 99–32 Athleta (HT 48–9)
ARU women continued to dominate, producing another emphatic performance against Athleta.
Their defensive intensity and sharp offensive execution led to a commanding 48–9 halftime lead.
ARU maintained control in the second half, cruising to a 99–32 victory and booking their spot in tonight’s historic Elite Women Cup Final.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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