Ireland complete perfect week to capture European Championship for Small Countries title

DUBLIN (Ireland) - Ireland recorded their fourth win from as many games this week as they secured the FIBA European Championship for Small Countries title on home soil, on Sunday.

The tournament hosts overcame 2018 winners Malta in a convincing 97-66 triumph to add to their first success 27 years ago, when the competition was also held in Dublin.

Jordan Blount produced a near triple-double effort of 17 points, 15 rebounds and 9 assists with John Paul Carroll top scoring with 20 points and Sean Flood adding 16 points on 7-of-8 shooting along with 4 assists.

Ireland moved into a 51-32 advantage at half-time after pulling away in the second quarter and produced a final flourish to spark jubilant scenes at the buzzer following an impressive display.

Tevin Falzon led Malta with 17 points and 11 rebounds with his side ending up in third place as Andorra hold the head-to-head tie break with both sides having had been in contention for the title going into the final day.

Earlier, San Marino bowed out with their first win after beating Gibraltar 92-82. Gioele Moretti top scored with 23 points with Giacomo Pasolini adding 18 points as their side produced a pivotal 32-15 third period.

FIBA