First time finalists Albania to meet Malta in title showdown

DURRES (Albania) -  Host nation Albania will matchup against Malta in the Final of the FIBA U18 Women's European Championship 2023, Division C on Sunday, in Durres.

Albania will appear in the title game for the very first time, while Malta will be going for their first gold since 2007 having had to settle for silver at the last three editions of the competition in 2018, 2019 and 2022.

They were successful in the first Semi-Final game on Saturday as they came out on top 68-60 in an extraordinary contest with Armenia. Malta didn't manage a single basket during open play in the third quarter as they were outscored 14-1 in a punishing famine. 

However, they recovered and it was a feast again as they outlasted their opponents 27-13 to book their spot in the showpiece game, thanks to a truly  breathtaking contribution from Danika Galea. Her sky-high performance efficiency valuation of 48 came after an eye-bulging 29 points and 24 rebounds.  

Albania were desperate to make the most of hosting the tournament and to make the last game on home soil - something they managed with relative comfort after sweeping aside Andorra 67-53. 

Some outstanding work on the glass paved the way for victory, with the hosts also able to make their move off the back of a fantastic one-two punch from Brikena Mucenji and Anisa Bokrina. The former harvested 23 points and 10 boards, while Bokrina added 21 points, 8 rebounds and 3 steals. 

The losers of the Semi-Finals games - Armenia and Andorra - will meet in the Third-Place game on Sunday that will take place before the Final.

FIBA