Malta’s women’s team completed a flawless campaign by defeating Albania 76-51 to claim the gold medal at the Ta’ Qali Pavilion, while the men’s side secured a commendable silver medal despite suffering a 97-68 defeat to hosts Armenia in the final.
Coached by Roderick Vella, the Maltese women produced another impressive display to cap a perfect tournament, overcoming a spirited Albanian challenge before pulling away decisively in the closing stages.
Malta made an excellent start, racing into a 10-1 lead within the opening five minutes. However, Albania responded strongly through Antea Filopati, whose accurate free-throw shooting helped her side erase the deficit and draw level at 14-14 by the end of the opening quarter.
The second period remained closely contested before Albania edged seven points ahead at 26-19 thanks to baskets from Klea Szyziu and Filopati. Malta responded superbly during the closing minutes of the half, with Claire Portelli’s lay-up and a three-pointer from Samira Deguara inspiring an impressive turnaround. The hosts entered the interval holding a narrow 36-33 advantage.
The third quarter continued at a competitive pace before Malta gradually asserted control. Even Axisa’s three-pointer extended the lead to five points, while Kirstie Sammut converted two free throws to give the home side a 48-41 cushion heading into the final quarter.
Malta dominated the closing period, quickly extending their advantage through another three-pointer from Deguara to move 56-41 ahead. The in-form guard continued to punish Albania, adding five more points as Malta opened up a commanding 20-point lead at 61-41. From there, the hosts comfortably controlled proceedings before sealing a deserved victory and the championship title.
The men’s final proved a far sterner test, with Omar Said’s side facing a confident Armenian team backed by a passionate home crowd.
Armenia made a blistering start, with Dmitri Hajyan and Anthony Sarkesian combining to establish a 14-5 advantage. Although Samuel Kisvarda helped Malta remain in contention, the hosts finished the opening quarter leading 29-19.
Malta fought back admirably in the second period. Three-pointers from Levi West and Darcy Russell reduced the deficit to five points before Sarkesian once again inspired Armenia to restore a double-digit advantage. Further long-range baskets from Kisvarda, West and Said Hollier kept Malta within striking distance, but Armenia still held a 53-44 lead at half-time.
The contest swung decisively in the hosts’ favour during the third quarter as Hajyan scored five unanswered points to help extend Armenia’s lead to 66-46. Malta struggled to cope with the relentless pressure, and Jivan Dorian stretched the advantage further before Juan Matias De Flavia’s late three-pointer reduced the deficit to 76-58 heading into the final period.
Any hopes of a comeback quickly disappeared as Armenia continued to dominate the fourth quarter. A three-pointer from Mihail Petrov pushed the lead beyond 30 points, allowing the hosts to comfortably see out the contest and secure the title.
Despite the defeat, Malta’s men’s team produced an excellent tournament overall, with their efforts rewarded by a well-deserved silver medal, while the women’s side celebrated an outstanding unbeaten campaign with gold.
