Gibraltar shatter hosts’ hearts; Semi-Finals pairings confirmed

SERRAVALLE (FIBA European Championship for Small Countries) – Gibraltar have ended the hopes of San Marino, advancing to the Semi-Finals ahead of the hosts.

In Thursday’s final game, Gibraltar and San Marino were battling for a direct spot in the last four. Ultimately, it was Gibraltar grabbing the spot, with a 74-66 win. San Marino were leading by a point going into the last 10 minutes, only to fall apart in the paint as Gibraltar went inside to open breathing space down the stretch.

Gibraltar relied on their starting five to give them 61 of their 74 points, asking questions of their depth ahead of a Semi-Final clash with Malta. The biggest contribution came from Lucas Perez, who had 19 points and 9 boards.  

Down in Group B, Ireland defeated Andorra 63-56, to join group winners Malta in the semis. The Irish appeared to be sailing to the Semi-Finals, building a commanding 24-point lead. However, with complacency slipping in during the fourth quarter, a sense of relief was palpable when the final buzzer sounded, their lead having been cut to two with 1:15 to play. But, renewed defense from Ireland allowed Andorra only three more shots from the floor in the last 75 seconds, allowing them the victory from the charity stripe.

In the day’s only other game, Norway defeated Moldova in 94-78 in a dead rubber, the former safely into the Semi-Finals as the top seed, the latter stuck at the bottom of Group A. Trailing at the half to a spirited Moldavian side who were led by Denis Melniciuc’s 34 points, Norway again showed their remarkable depth, outscoring their opponents' bench 34-6 to inflate the final margin of victory.

Teams will now take a rest on Friday, before returning to action for Saturday’s Semi-Finals. Norway will play Ireland and as previously mentioned, Malta will take on Gibraltar. Moldova play Andorra, as they join San Marino in fighting it out for the minor placings.

FIBA