Malta met Norway in the final of the FIBA Women’s European Championship for Small Countries 2024.
As was to be expected, Norway, the pre-tournament favourites, proved the strongest opponents Malta faced in this tournament but the final was not a foregone conclusion.
Our girls held their own but Norway’s reaction in the third quarter proved decisive as they eventually won 61-54. Malta showed their bold intentions from the outset, winning the 
quarter, 19-17. With the experienced Josephina Grima leading the way, Malta maintained their momentum to extend their advantage by half-time to five points – 29-24.
Norway came back strongly, winning the third quarter 22-10 to go in for the final session 46-39 ahead. Malta had a good start to the final session but Norway recovered with a series of three-pointers to establish an 11-point cushion – 43-54 , with just under five minutes remaining.
Danika Galea’s dominant presence underneath the boards lifted Malta as she netted consecutive baskets, 52-59, with less than a minute left, but Norway kept their composure to seal a 61-54 victory.
Under the guidance of coach Charles Bonnici, Malta had Amber Melgoza hitting 16 points and 12 rebounds. Steffi De Martino weighed in with 12 points.
Aurora Sorbye topped the scoring for the winners with 14 points.
