Malta’s men’s national basketball team followed in the footsteps of the women’s team by claiming the gold medal at the FIBA European Championship for Small Countries, producing a superb performance to defeat Andorra 90-76 in the final at the Tercentenary Sports Hall in Gibraltar.
Paul Ferrante’s side completed an unbeaten campaign with a composed display in a fiercely contested championship decider, pulling away in the closing stages to secure a memorable victory and lift the title.
Jordan Tucker led the Maltese scoring with an outstanding 25-point performance, while Michael Sjoberg added 18 points in another influential display. Aaron Falzon also proved decisive, delivering crucial baskets at key moments as Malta maintained their composure under pressure.
A Closely Fought Contest
The final lived up to expectations as Malta and Andorra battled throughout an absorbing encounter in which neither side was able to establish sustained control during the opening three quarters.
The first period saw the lead change hands several times as both teams traded baskets in an evenly balanced contest. Malta eventually edged ahead in the closing moments of the quarter thanks to important contributions from Samuel Deguara and Matthew Tucker, opening up an 18-14 advantage.
Malta appeared to gain momentum early in the second quarter when a three-pointer from Michael Sjoberg stretched the lead to 28-17, giving Ferrante’s men their biggest advantage of the game.
However, Andorra responded impressively, taking advantage of a spell in which Malta struggled offensively. The comeback gathered pace, and by half-time the Andorrans had overturned the deficit to edge into a narrow 35-34 lead.
Malta Responds
The third quarter followed a similar pattern, with Andorra extending their advantage to seven points early in the period before Malta gradually fought their way back into contention.
Sjoberg once again provided the spark, levelling the scores at 46-46 midway through the quarter. Although Andorra briefly restored a five-point cushion, Malta refused to be shaken.
Aaron Falzon stepped up at a crucial stage, scoring valuable late points that allowed Malta to regain the lead and head into the final quarter with a slender 54-53 advantage.
Champions Finish Strong
With the championship on the line, Malta produced their finest basketball of the tournament during the closing ten minutes.
A three-pointer from Jordan Tucker extended Malta’s lead to six points before Andorra mounted one final challenge to reduce the deficit to 72-68 with less than five minutes remaining.
Malta responded immediately. Falzon buried another vital three-pointer before Tucker thrilled the Maltese supporters with a fast-break slam dunk that stretched the advantage to double digits and effectively sealed the contest.
As Andorra struggled to find a way back, Tucker calmly converted four late free throws to complete a deserved 90-76 victory and spark jubilant celebrations among the players, coaching staff and travelling supporters.
A Historic Achievement
The triumph caps an outstanding tournament for Malta, who remained unbeaten throughout the competition and demonstrated resilience, teamwork and composure in every match.
Under the guidance of head coach Paul Ferrante, the national team has now added another major achievement to Maltese basketball history, joining the women’s national team as champions of the FIBA European Championship for Small Countries.
The victory represents another significant milestone for basketball in Malta and underlines the continued progress of the national programme on the international stage.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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