Malta U-16 girls outlast Armenia to reach FIBA Europe Division C final

The Malta women’s U-16 national team stormed into the final of the FIBA Europe Division C when they overpowered Armenia 67-55 at the Ta’ Qali Pavilion.

It was another strong collective performance from Roderick Vella’s girls, who maintained their unbeaten run in the competition but more importantly, will battle for the gold medal in Sunday’s final against Albania, who edged Georgia 58-57 in the other semi-final.

The home side were off to a storming side as Kirstie Zammit, Eve Axisa and Lara Micallef potted three successive baskets before the same Axisa fired in a three-pointer that lifted the team 9-0 up.

Armenia tried to hit back but the home side remained in control and a Claire Portelli lay-up ensured Malta led 14-6 at the end of the first quarter.

Armenia managed to fight back in the second session as Celine Najarian and Talia Kasbarian combined to close the gap to just four points – 17-13.

Malta looked rattled and Naomi Kardzair further reduced the gap to two points – 17-15.

The game remained evenly-poised but late baskets from Kirstie Sammut and Adria Xuereb put the hosts five points ahead at the half-time interval.

Malta tried to open a good lead over their opponents as five successive points from Samira Deguara’s put them eight clear – 30-22.

But Armenia managed to turn the game around as back-to-back three-pointers from Mila Festekjian and Najairan saw them lead 33-31.

The Maltese refused to panic as two successive baskets from Xuereb put the team back in front before three points at the death by Axisa enabled the team to go 46-42 ahead.

The home team finally stepped up a gear in the final quarter as a Samira Deguara lay-up and three successive points from Micallef propelled the team eight points clear – 55-47.

The Armenian girls tried to mount a late rally but to no avail as Malta’s late flurry saw them seal a convincing 67-55 win.