Maltese basketball could be celebrating another historic achievement on Sunday after the men’s Under-16 national team followed in the footsteps of their female counterparts by reaching the final of the FIBA Europe Division C Championship in Yerevan.
Omar Said’s side produced a determined and resilient display to edge Kosovo 113-110 in a dramatic semi-final that swung wildly before Malta held their nerve in the closing stages.
The victory sets up a title showdown against hosts Armenia, who booked their place in the final with an 82-66 victory over Moldova in the other semi-final.
Malta made a flying start, dominating the opening quarter with an impressive offensive display to establish a 30-19 advantage.
Kosovo responded in the second period and attempted to claw their way back into the contest, but the Maltese remained composed. Although their lead was trimmed slightly, Said’s team still went into the half-time break comfortably ahead at 60-52.
The third quarter appeared to put the game beyond Kosovo’s reach as Malta continued to dictate proceedings, stretching their advantage to 94-76 with another outstanding spell of attacking basketball.
However, the final quarter turned into a nerve-racking affair.
Kosovo mounted a remarkable comeback, erasing almost the entire deficit and reducing Malta’s lead to just a single point at 103-102 with less than four minutes remaining.
With momentum seemingly shifting towards Kosovo, Zack Said Hollier stepped up when his team needed him most. The Maltese guard buried a crucial three-pointer before adding a lay-up to restore a five-point cushion at 108-103.
Kosovo refused to surrender and fought back once more, with Orik Strefi helping his side edge ahead 110-108 in the closing stages.
But Said Hollier proved to be Malta’s match-winner. He responded with two consecutive lay-ups to put Malta back in front at 112-110 with just over a minute remaining before calmly converting a decisive free throw to seal a memorable 113-110 victory.
The dramatic triumph sends Malta into Sunday’s final, where they will face Armenia with the Division C title at stake and the opportunity to cap a remarkable tournament with another landmark success for Maltese basketball.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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