Watch: Maltese abroad: Magec Tias debut for Riolo

After a cancelled first fixture, an injury before the second, and sitting out the third, Mikela Riolo has officially kicked off her career at Spanish club Magec Tias. The Times of Malta’s Sportsdesk looks at Riolo and other Maltese professionals plying their trade overseas in another segment of ‘Maltese abroad’.

SPAIN

Mikela Riolo made her official debut in the Spanish Women’s Division Two on Saturday afternoon. Magec Tias lost their match 51-75 against GDKO Ibaizanal. While Riolo didn’t manage to get her name on the scoreboard, it was a greatly awaited start to her Lanzarote experience. 

This was the team’s third defeat as they have struggled in these opening stages so far ahead of the next fixture against ADBA Aviles at home. (tip-off: 7PM Lanzarote/8PM Malta)

FRANCE

Aaron Falzon scored 12 points and five rebounds in 20 mins on a rare start from the bench as the side lost 83-98 to Union Tours Basket Metropole on Friday.

Falzon, who has become a regular starter for his side Etoile Angers, has been making a very strong case on the road to securing a full contract at the end of the month.

In their earlier game on Tuesday against RAC Basket, Falzon managed seven points in around 18 minutes.

AUSTRALIA

Forward Nelson Kahler scored 17 points — second in scoring for Sunshine Coast Phoenix — and grabbed six boards 28 minutes against RedCity Roar on Friday but this was not enough as the side lost 93-95 in the Queensland State League Division One semi-finals.

The Roar went on to lose 97-89 to eventual league champions the Brisbane Capitals on Saturday.

ITALY

Kurt Cassar was on the scoreboard again with three points but Pallacanestro Orzinuovi, who have already been eliminated from the Serie A2 Supercup after losses against Verona and Mantova, fell to APU Udine 95-81 on Sunday.

This means the team will now play again when the regular season begins in November.