USA Select were crowned men’s champions of the Elite Basketball Tournament Malta 2026 after defeating Starlites 72-54 in the final at the Malta Basketball Association Pavilion in Ta’ Qali.
The title decider brought the sixth edition of the tournament to a close following six days of international basketball, which also featured women’s competition, youth development activities and an international referees’ camp.
Starlites made a strong start to the final, producing a solid defensive display which prevented USA Select from finding their usual attacking rhythm. The Americans held a slender 15-14 advantage at the end of a closely contested opening quarter.
USA Select gradually began to take control, however, with Cshuran leading their scoring with 16 points as the eventual champions started to open a gap.
Starlites remained in contention thanks largely to Kosakowski and Musa, who contributed 19 and 15 points respectively.
The decisive breakthrough came during the final quarter as USA Select raised the intensity and established a commanding advantage. They controlled the closing stages to complete a 72-54 victory and secure the 2026 men’s title.
Raemaad was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player following a series of impressive performances.
The EBTM All-Star Team featured Colorado Realm’s Valdez, USA Select duo Atwater and Wright, and Starlites players Musa and Kosakowski.
USA Select’s triumph completed a double for the American contingent after USA Select Women also lifted the women’s trophy.
Depiro finish with victory over Colorado Realm
Depiro, meanwhile, concluded their participation on a positive note with an impressive 81-68 victory over Colorado Realm.
Playing under coach Farrugia for the first time this season, Depiro produced an encouraging display against their American opponents.
There was little between the teams during the opening stages before Depiro gradually gained the upper hand.
Reddish led the Maltese side with an outstanding 25-point performance, while Buhagiar marked his Depiro debut by contributing 16 points.
Their efforts helped Depiro establish a 37-32 advantage as they grew increasingly confident.
Colorado Realm remained dangerous, particularly through All-Star selection Valdez, who finished with 25 points. However, Depiro made effective use of their bench and rotation to increase their advantage by the end of the third quarter.
Bozovic then played an important role during the final quarter as Depiro remained in control and closed out an 81-68 victory.
Sixth edition comes to a close
The final matches brought to an end what organisers described as the biggest edition of the Elite Basketball Tournament Malta so far.
Eight international matches involving overseas teams and Maltese clubs were played during the tournament, providing local players with competitive exposure against foreign opposition.
The programme extended beyond senior competition, with a Youth Basketball Camp led by international coaches offering young players the opportunity to train in an international environment.
An International Referees Basketball Camp, led by Bernard Vassallo, was also held as part of the programme, providing development opportunities for match officials.
Tournament organiser Ruben Baldacchino of Elite Sports Management said the event had continued to develop into an important platform for Maltese basketball.
“We had top-level basketball at both club and youth level during the sixth edition of the Elite Basketball Tournament Malta,” Baldacchino said.
“This event has developed into an important platform where local clubs have the opportunity to face international competition, while our young players can learn directly from top-level coaches.
“I am very happy that we have managed to create an entertaining basketball event that caters for different sectors of the game, from youth players to senior players, referees and clubs.
“My aim is to continue pushing local basketball towards higher levels, and work on EBTM 2027 has already started.”
The organisers thanked VisitMalta, iGaming Academy – part of SiGMA Group, the Malta Basketball Association, and Revive Physiotherapy and Aquatic Centre for their support.
With USA Select completing a clean sweep of the men’s and women’s titles, attention now turns towards preparations for the seventh edition of the Elite Basketball Tournament Malta in 2027.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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