Andorra and Ireland remain perfect ahead of Semi-Finals

CIORESCU (FIBA European Championship for Small Countries 2016) - Andorra and Ireland go into the Semi-Finals as the two undefeated teams following the group stage of the FIBA European Championship for Small Countries.

Andorra's third win in as many games also meant that the home team would not be in the medal fight. Moldova came within five points on two occasions in the fourth quarter, but Andorra answered both times and ran away with a 80-72 win.

Guillem Colom Barrufet connected on a big three, while Oriol Fernandez Vilarrubla scored a two-pointer in the final two minutes to keep Andorra's perfect record intact.

Albert Farfan De Los Godos led five players in double figures with 17 points, but it was the all-round displays of Colom Barrufet and Fernandez Vilarrubla that saved the day for Andorra. Colom Barrufet had 16 points, nine rebounds and four steals, while Fernandez Vilarrubla finished with 14 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and four steals. Vladimir Colesnicov scored 15 points for the hosts, who will try to claim fifth place on Saturday and Sunday.

Meanwhile, Andorra will be playing San Marino in the Semi-Finals. San Marino clung on against Ireland, entering the last quarter with a ten-point deficit, but the Irish men then switched gears. A 27-13 fourth quarter was more than enough for Ireland to secure a 79-55 victory and first place in Group A.

Brian Fitzpatrick recorded the performance of the tournament so far. In 33 minutes of play Fitzpatrick scored 33 points on 11-of-15 from the floor, including 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. Colin O'Reilly had yet another double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds. Andrea Raschi was the sole double-digit performer for San Marino with 18 points.

Ireland will face Armenia in the Semi-Finals. The Armenians had no trouble against Wales and won the game 92-40. Coach Tigran Gyokchyan managed to rest Andre Spight and Bryant Dunston JR, playing them less than ten minutes. Michael Daniyelyan took over the scoring responsibility with six three-pointers and a game-high 20 points.

The final game day of the group phase saw Malta get off the mark. A 70-50 triumph over Gibraltar should boost their confidence going into the battle for fifth place.

FIBA