FIBA Basketball

    Gibraltar survive Solopa's 44; Norway deal hosts heavy blow

    SERRAVALLE (FIBA European Championship for Small Countries) - Gibraltar outlasted Moldova in overtime to tip off the championship, but the real talking point was Vladislav Solopa's 44 points in defeat.

    SERRAVALLE (FIBA European Championship for Small Countries) - Gibraltar outlasted Moldova in overtime to tip off the championship, but the real talking point was Vladislav Solopa's 44 points in defeat.

    Fans could not have wished for a better beginning to Day 1 action, but they would have certainly hoped for a better conclusion. Those that arrived early were treated to an overtime thriller, as Gibraltar prevailed 102-96. Effectively rolling with a six-player rotation, it was of perhaps little surprise to see Moldova fade in overtime, after being masterfully led by Solopa with 44 points on 53.3 percent shooting from the field. Miguel Ortega led the winning effort with 33 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds.

    Meanwhile, at the other end of the day's action, San Marino found themselves humbled 88-48 by a Norwegian team making an international return, and with obvious ambitions for a medal. With 11 of their roster getting on the scoreboard, the Scandinavians displayed serious depth and inside dominance, picking up 36 points and 6 blocks in the paint. Harald Frey filled the board out with 9 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists, and Norway were a +26 team with him on the floor.

    In the day's only other action, Malta had a similarly simple path to victory as the Norwegians, winning 96-64 over Andorra. Legend of Division C youth basketball Kurt Cassar showed he can mix it with the big men, grabbing 15 points and 6 rebounds, ably supporting Tevin Falzon who finished with 22 points, while shooting 16-of-20 from the charity stripe.

    Day 2 will see Malta begin the day against Ireland who rested on Tuesday; Norway and Gibraltar meet in the battle of the undefeated teams, whilst San Marino will be hoping for a better result for their fans, as they take on Moldova.

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