GIBRALTAR (Gibraltar) - It's been a flawless FIBA U16 Women's EuroBasket 2024, Division C campaign for Azerbaijan so far, and that means they could be labelled as favorites to lift the title on Sunday.
But first of all they will have to get past the Semi-Finals and can do so as the only nation yet to taste defeat at the event.
They wrapped up their group campaign with an eye-catching 68-45 success against Cyprus, who will join them in the last four despite the defeat after finishing second in Group A.
All of Azerbaijan's leaders made significant contributions. Leyla Allahverdiyeva grabbed 12 points, 13 boards and 5 assists, with Aylin Niftaliyeva also claiming a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds.
But star of the show was Angelina Ismayilova who exploded for 28 points - the highest individual points tally scored in the competition so far.
Azerbaijan will go up against Albania in the Semi-Finals, with their opponents squeezing through in a keenly contested Group B that saw them successful in a three-way tie situation to take the runners-up spot.
That was helped by a convincing 87-26 last day triumph against host nation Gibraltar, as Melissa Nikaj caught the eye with a smart 15 points for the winning side.
Saturday's other Semi-Final pitches Malta against fellow islanders Cyprus. The former came out in pole position in Group B, wrapping things up with a 66-51 victory against Republic of Moldova.
Once again, Claire Portelli was on fire and could be the prime candidate for MVP after a breathtaking haul of 25 points, 9 rebounds and 9 steals in the contest.
Semi-Finals (Saturday July 13) Malta vs Cyprus Azerbaijan v Albania
FIBA