Details
| Date | Time | League | Season | Full Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 1, 2024 | 1:29 pm | FIBA Small Countries of Europe (men) | 2023-24 | ' |
Andorra
| Position | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | OFF | DEF | TO | PF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | 0 | - | - | - | - | - | 0 | - | - | 0 | - | - | 0 | - | - | - | - |
Malta
| # | Player | Position | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | OFF | DEF | TO | PF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ian Felice Pace | Shooting Guard | 2 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 25.0 | 0 | 3 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| 5 | David Bugeja | Shooting Guard | 22 | 5 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 16 | 56.3 | 2 | 4 | 50.0 | 2 | 4 | 50.0 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| 7 | Joshua Tomasi | Power Forward | 13 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 12 | 41.7 | 2 | 6 | 33.3 | 1 | 3 | 33.3 | 0 | 10 | 1 | 0 |
| 9 | Nathan Xuereb | Point Guard | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 11.1 | 0 | 4 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5 |
| 13 | Kurt Cassar | Center | 8 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 50.0 | 0 | 1 | 0.0 | 2 | 4 | 50.0 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| 10 | Kurt Xuereb | Small Forward | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 20.0 | 0 | 3 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 14 | Michael Sjoberg | Power Forward | 12 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 50.0 | 3 | 7 | 42.9 | 1 | 2 | 50.0 | 1 | 9 | 0 | 3 |
| 18 | Samuel Deguara | Center | 18 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 9 | 66.7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 100.0 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 2 |
| Total | 79 | 43 | 12 | 3 | 1 | 30 | 69 | 43.5 | 7 | 28 | 25.0 | 12 | 19 | 63.2 | 8 | 35 | 12 | 21 |
Coach: Duncan Fenech
Recap
Andorra secured this year’s FIBA European Small Countries Championships on home soil after defeating Malta 84-79 in a thrilling final on Sunday.
After a shaky start to the tournament, Malta showed impressive resilience to reach the gold-medal match, seeking revenge against Andorra who had previously defeated them in the group stage.
The game began with both teams displaying early offensive proficiency. David Bugeja‘s consistent scoring efforts kept Malta competitive despite struggles with turnovers and missed opportunities. Bruno Bartolome played a pivotal role for Andorra, hitting a crucial three-pointer that contributed to their narrow lead at the end of the first quarter. The physicality of the game was evident with defensive efforts and fouls impacting both teams. As the match progressed, both sides aimed to improve shooting accuracy and capitalize on scoring chances to gain momentum.
The second quarter started with Joshua Tomasi missing a three-point attempt for Malta. However, Bruno Bartolome’s missed shot was followed by Tomasi converting one of two free throws, narrowing the gap. Defensive efforts intensified with fouls affecting play from both sides.Bugeja and Kurt Xuereb‘s scoring efforts kept Malta competitive, while Andorra’s Sergi Serrato Balletbo and Bartolome maintained their team’s lead with key baskets. Turnovers and missed opportunities proved pivotal, setting the stage for a closely contested second half as Andorra finished the second quarter leading 39-35.
Both teams traded baskets and defensive stops in a closely contested period after halftime. Malta’s Balletbo and Kurt Cassar made crucial shots, while Nathan Xuereb contributed with a key layup. Defensive efforts were strong from Malta’s Tomasi and Michael Sjoberg, securing rebounds and causing turnovers. Andorra’s Cinto Gabriel and Bartolome countered with effective shooting and rebounds, maintaining their lead. The quarter ended with both teams showcasing competitive spirit and strategic plays, setting the stage for an intense remainder of the game as the third quarter concluded with Andorra narrowly leading 56-53.
Andorra managed to secure a hard-fought victory over Malta in the final minutes. The game saw a tense fourth quarter where Andorra’s defence held strong against Malta’s offensive pushes. Key plays included Balletbo’s crucial free throws and a pivotal three-pointer by Bartolome. Malta fought back with Tomasi’s scoring efforts, but Andorra’s strategic timeouts and disciplined fouls proved decisive. Despite Samuel Deguara‘s strong inside presence, Gabriel’s timely shooting significantly contributed to Andorra’s late-game surge. Ultimately, Andorra’s resilience under pressure secured them a well-deserved win in this closely contested encounter.