The Malta women’s Under-16 national basketball team booked their place in the final of the FIBA Europe Division C Championship after producing another accomplished display to beat Armenia 67-55 at the Ta’ Qali Pavilion.
Roderick Vella’s side maintained their unbeaten record in the tournament with a composed and disciplined performance, setting up a gold medal showdown against Albania on Sunday. Albania secured their place in the final after edging Georgia 58-57 in the other semi-final.
Malta made a blistering start, racing into a 9-0 lead as Kirstie Zammit, Eve Axisa and Lara Micallef all found the basket before Axisa added a three-pointer to leave the visitors chasing the game from the outset.
Although Armenia eventually settled into the contest, the hosts continued to dictate the opening quarter and Claire Portelli’s late lay-up helped Malta establish a 14-6 advantage.
The visitors responded strongly in the second period. Celine Najarian and Talia Kasbarian combined to reduce the deficit to 17-13 before Naomi Kardzair cut the gap to just two points as Armenia piled on the pressure.
The game became increasingly competitive, but Malta regained their composure at the right moment. Late baskets from Kirstie Sammut and Adria Xuereb restored breathing space, allowing the hosts to take a five-point lead into the interval.
Malta looked to seize control after the restart, with Samira Deguara scoring five unanswered points to extend the advantage to 30-22.
However, Armenia refused to back down. Consecutive three-pointers from Mila Festekjian and Najarian completed the comeback and briefly handed the visitors a 33-31 lead.
The Maltese response was immediate. Xuereb scored two successive baskets to restore Malta’s advantage before Axisa drilled a crucial three-pointer on the buzzer to give the hosts a 46-42 cushion heading into the final quarter.
With a place in the final at stake, Malta produced their strongest spell of the game in the closing minutes. Deguara opened the decisive run with a lay-up before Micallef added three unanswered points as the hosts stretched their lead to 55-47.
Armenia attempted one final fightback, but Malta remained firmly in control and closed out the contest in impressive fashion, pulling away in the closing stages to complete a convincing 67-55 victory and book their place in Sunday’s final.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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