Malta’s Under-16 women’s national team made a winning start to their FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship Division C campaign with a thrilling 61-59 victory over Georgia at the Ta’ Qali Pavilion.
The Maltese side produced a determined display, recovering from deficits on several occasions before edging past their higher-rated opponents to claim a valuable opening-day success.
Georgia enjoyed the brighter start, opening up a five-point advantage within the opening two minutes of the contest.
However, Malta gradually found their rhythm and drew level through a Claire Portelli free throw before Martina Mendez Vazquez gave the hosts their first lead of the game at 10-8.
The visitors responded strongly in the closing stages of the first quarter, finishing the opening period with a 19-12 advantage after pulling seven points clear.
Georgia continued to dictate the early exchanges of the second quarter and extended their lead to eight points when Mariami Kekeli made it 25-17.
Malta refused to let the game slip away, responding with an impressive run. Three-pointers from Eve Axisa and Samira Deguara, combined with a basket from Lara Micallef, turned the momentum in the hosts’ favour as they edged into a 32-31 lead by half-time.
The third quarter remained evenly balanced, with neither side able to establish control. Georgia eventually moved four points ahead with under four minutes remaining, but Deguara answered with a three-pointer to cut the deficit to a single point at 38-37.
Portelli then buried another shot from beyond the arc to hand Malta a 43-40 lead. Georgia, though, finished the period strongly, with baskets from Zurabishvili and Kartvelishvili giving the visitors a narrow 45-43 advantage heading into the final quarter.
Georgia appeared to take command midway through the decisive period after opening up a seven-point cushion.
Nevertheless, Malta produced a remarkable late rally. Scores from Deguara, Summer West and Axisa helped the home side overturn the deficit and move 59-56 in front.
Although Georgia mounted one final challenge, Roderick Vella’s team defended resolutely in the closing moments to seal an impressive 61-59 victory.
