Unbeaten Malta, Georgia advance to Semi-Finals

ANDORRA LA VELLA (Andorra) - Malta and Georgia have both advanced directly into the Semi-Finals of the 2022 edition of the FIBA U18 Women's European Championship, Division C after winning their respective groups.

After three days of group play, Malta and Georgia each finished 2-0 in Group A and Group B, respectively, as they both continue their gold medal hopes.

Georgia opened their tournament with a 69-36 win over Gibraltar, behind 17-year-old center Lika Kvirkvelia's massive 19-point, 23-rebound double-double.

They followed that up with another convincing win, beating Moldova 75-32, as Kvirkvelia recorded another double-double with 14 points and 17 rebounds along with 2 assists and 2 steals.

On Tuesday, Malta opened with a 73-66 victory over Albania, who then breezed by Andorra 75-43 on Wednesday to secure the second spot in Group A. Four players for Albania scored in double figures in their win over Andorra including a 22-point, 12-rebound performance by Melida Hykaj.

Malta then picked up their second win in Group A over Andorra in comfortable fashion, 72-41, behind a 20-point, 12-rebound double-double from Danika Galea.

Despite losing big to Georgia in their first game, Moldova bounced back and closed group play with a 50-42 win over Gibraltar to secure the second spot in Group B.

The tournament continues on Friday when Albania face Gibraltar and Moldova  face Andorra in the Qualification Games for the Semi-Finals.

Malta and Georgia will wait for the eventual winners of those two games, with Malta playing the winner of Moldova v Andorra and Georgia meeting the winner of Albania v Gibraltar.

FIBA