Hosts Cyprus get the party started early by clinching first-ever title

NICOSIA (Cyprus) - Cyprus are celebrating a historic maiden title at the FIBA Women's European Championship for Small Countries after getting the win they needed against Malta on Saturday.

The tournament hosts completed their aim to make history with a day to spare after they claimed an exciting 77-67 triumph and improved to a 3-0 mark to take the silverware on home soil.

Cyprus were fueled by the inside presence of Eleni Pilakouta who accumulated a fine double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds.

A big double-double by Eleni Pilakouta laid the foundation for Cyprus

Meanwhile Veatriki Akathiotou hit the clutch shot with just under a minute to go to settle home nerves after Malta has made it a one-shot game. The guard's big triple sealed the deal and she finished with 21 points and 6 assists.

While Cyprus enjoy the limelight, Malta (2-1) still have a silver medal to fight for and will engage in a last day shootout with Norway (2-1) for the second podium step, with whoever loses guaranteed a bronze.

FIBA