Recap

Malta’s U16 women’s team exhibited their resilience in the second game of the FIBA U16 Women’s Eurobasket Division C Championship, bouncing back from a narrow defeat to Albania on the opening day with a commanding 75-32 victory over Gibraltar.

On Wednesday, coach Roderick Vella made sure to give minutes to all of Malta’s players. However, it was Shanice Farrugia who once again led Malta in scoring with 17 points, supported by Rebecca Fenech Pace with 12 points and Kirstie Sammut with 11 points. Claire Portelli anchored Malta’s defence with 14 rebounds.

In an intense first quarter, Malta surged ahead with a commanding performance against Gibraltar. The action began with Isabelle Dalmedo securing a jump ball for Gibraltar, but Malta’s defence quickly set the tone with Portelli’s early steals, leading to consecutive baskets by Farrugia and Lara Micallef. Despite Dalmedo’s efforts, contributing several jump shots for Gibraltar, turnovers plagued her team. Key steals and rebounds from Malta’s Eve Axisa and Fenech Pace disrupted Gibraltar’s offence. Fenech Pace also shone on offence, adding crucial points. A final foul by Phoebe Reyes and Axisa sealed the quarter 19-8 in Malta’s favour.

Malta extended their lead in the second quarter, showcasing both defensive prowess and offensive precision. The period began with a strong showing from Malta, as Gwen Carabott and Samira Deguara led swift transition plays, converting turnovers into quick points. Despite Gibraltar’s efforts, including a solid defensive rebound by Nicola Barbara and a timely steal by Lily Mauro, Malta’s defence proved resilient. 

Sammut and Portelli were instrumental for Malta, forcing multiple turnovers and securing crucial rebounds. Lara Micallef and Farrugia capitalised on Gibraltar’s mistakes, further widening the gap. Malta’s strategic player rotations and efficient scoring, particularly by Micallef and Sammut, were key to their commanding 43-19 lead by the end of the period. Gibraltar struggled to counter Malta’s aggressive play, despite individual efforts from Barbara and Dalmedo.

Malta continued to dominate in the second half. The quarter opened with Malta in control, as Portelli immediately made her mark with a steal and a jump shot. Fenech Pace followed with consistent pressure, converting turnovers into quick points. 

Gibraltar struggled to find their rhythm, with multiple turnovers disrupting their play. Despite their efforts, including a few successful shots by Mauro and defensive rebounds from players like Brylee Costa and Katelyn Escalona, Malta’s defence remained impenetrable. 

Malta frequently intercepted Gibraltar’s passes, forcing errors and maintaining a steady offensive strategy and Gibraltar couldn’t close the gap, ending the period trailing by 35 points.

Malta sealed a decisive victory in the fourth quarter. The final rubber began with Gibraltar’s Daniela Martinez missing a jump shot, only for Dalmedo to secure an offensive rebound and follow up with a successful shot. Despite this, Axisa’s defensive prowess and assists, along with Sammut’s accuracy, extended Malta’s lead. 

Gibraltar struggled with ball control, leading to multiple turnovers. Despite Gibraltar’s Barbara making a last-second shot, Malta’s dominance was evident throughout the quarter, maintaining a strong defensive front and efficient scoring to secure their win.