Malta’s U-16 girls made a memorable start to their FIBA Europe U-16 Championship Division C campaign after securing a dramatic 61-59 victory over Georgia at the Ta’ Qali Pavilion.
It was a match full of swings, pressure and determination, with the Maltese side having to come from behind on more than one occasion. Georgia enjoyed strong spells throughout the game, but Malta kept responding and eventually found a way to win a tight contest.
Georgia started the match brightly and moved into an early five-point lead inside the opening minutes. Malta gradually settled into the game, with a Claire Portelli free-throw helping the hosts draw level.
The teams remained close for much of the opening quarter, and Martina Mendez Vazquez gave Malta their first lead of the match at 10-8. Georgia, however, finished the quarter stronger and opened up a 19-12 advantage.
The second quarter also began in Georgia’s favour, with Mariami Kekeli helping her side stretch the lead to 25-17. Malta, however, refused to let the game drift away.
A strong response followed, with three-pointers from Eve Axisa and Samira Deguara, together with a basket from Lara Micallef, helping Malta turn the game around before half-time. By the break, the Maltese girls were narrowly ahead, 32-31.
The third quarter remained closely contested. Georgia managed to create a small gap late in the session, but Malta again hit back. A three-pointer from Deguara brought the hosts close, before another from Claire Portelli pushed Malta into a 43-40 lead.
Georgia responded before the end of the quarter, with baskets from Zurabishvili and Kartvelishvili putting them 45-43 ahead going into the final session.
The final quarter looked difficult for Malta when Georgia opened a seven-point lead midway through the period. But once again, the Maltese players showed character.
Baskets from Samira Deguara, Summer West and Eve Axisa helped Malta complete another comeback and move three points ahead at 59-56. Georgia tried to rally late on, but Malta defended strongly in the closing moments to protect their lead and seal a crucial 61-59 win.
It was an important opening result for coach Roderick Vella’s side, and a performance that showed plenty of belief, teamwork and fighting spirit.
Credit: Malta Basketball Association
