San Marino overturn a big deficit, Kosovo still perfect

SERRAVALLE (FIBA U18 European Championship 2016 Division C) - San Marino won the second half 53-23 to turn an 18-point deficit into an 86-74 victory over Malta on Saturday.

Giacomo Pasolini needed 28 minutes of play to score 27 points on a 9-of-17 shooting night. Simone Giacomini missed only three shots on his way to 20 points, while Pietro Ugolini had a big game under the basket. Ugolini finished with 15 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks. Nicholas Richard Formosa scored a game-high 28 points and stole the ball five times, but could not help Malta who were held to 23 points in the second half.

Both Malta and San Marino are on 1-1 after the first two games in Group B. Kosovo lead the way at a perfect 2-0, after a comfortable 76-62 win over Wales. Kosovo built a 14-point lead in the first quarter, with Wales trimming the deficit to 54-46 heading into the final quarter. But they never got any closer.

Vigan Gashi secured the win in the fourth period and led the winning team with 17 points and nine rebounds. Gent Shala claimed a double-double with 13 points and 15 rebounds, while Valon Bunjaku was also in double figures with 10 points. Morgan Carter had 25 points and 11 rebounds in a loss.

Wales will try to get their first win on Sunday against Malta. Also in Group B, Moldova will play against the hosts. In Group A, Azerbaijan are up against Gibraltar and Principality of Monaco face off with Andorra.

FIBA