Georgia win big against Kosovo to clinch Semi-Finals spot

GIBRALTAR (FIBA U16 Women’s European Championship 2017, Division C) - It only took Georgia one big win to book a Semi-Finals spot at the FIBA U16 Women’s European Championship 2017, Division C on Wednesday, while Armenia and tournament hosts Gibraltar celebrated success in Group B.

After an opening-day defeat to Malta, Georgia bounced straight back up in Group A by dismantling Kosovo 82-44, putting themselves into a win-win situation for the final gameday. 

Lia Mikiashvili led the way for the winners with 21 points and 16 rebounds, with Okropiridze adding 21 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds and 4 steals, but also turning the ball over 12 times for Georgia.

The big win guaranteed a Semi-Final spot to Georgia, while Malta should also be through, barring a loss upwards of 30 points to Kosovo on the final day of action in the Group Phase on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Armenia climbed to the top of Group B with a 63-31 victory over Wales, who were not able to stop Hovhannisyan and Anna Aslanian in a heavily lopsided match-up. 

In spite of an inefficient 6-of-22 game shooting the ball, Ani Hovhannisyan led the game in scoring with 18 points, while Aslanian added a double-double of 15 points and 13 rebounds. Darcie Graham was the only Welsh player in double figures with 10 points and 5 boards.

After both teams suffered losing starts to the tournament on Tuesday, Gibraltar left the Principality of Monaco at the bottom of the standings by winning the head-to-head contest 72-44 for their first win.

Mireya Benitez Lopez provided the driving force for Gibraltar with 24 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists and 6 steals, while Camille Dignat Rodriguez notched up 15 points and a tournament-high 23 rebounds. Hermance Marti scored 21 points, grabbed 9 rebounds and registered 6 steals for Monaco.

FIBA