Positive day for the Malta Under 16 boys and girls

Today was a very positive day for both the male and female national Under 16 teams playing in the respective FIBA European Championships Div C in Cyprus and Andorra.

The Malta boys held strong in the final seconds of the game to curb San Marino’s frantic efforts. Nathan Xuereb made the first of two free throws with 33 seconds to go to put Malta 58-53 in the lead but two free throws and a basket by Ugolini made the score 58-57 with 5 seconds remaining. San Marino fouled immediately but N. Xuereb missed the two free throws but luckily Alex Xuereb grabbed an important offensive rebound for Malta for a tight, but important, 58-57 success (click here to view the stats and other game info).

The boys had set off with a 65-63 win over Wales (click here to view the stats and other game info) but yesterday had to bow to Cyprus’ strength and registered a 42-73 loss (click here to view the stats and other game info).

Tomorrow the Malta under 16 boys play a decisive game against Azerbaijan. Both teams are in the second place in the group and the winner will pass to the semifinals.

The Under 16 girls squad overcame yesterday’s tough 57-58 overtime loss against Kosovo (click here to see the stats and other info) by registering an encouraging 54-20 win over Wales (click here to view the stats and other game info).

A win tomorrow against Gibraltar will place the Malta girls in the semifinal versus Georgia which is to be played on Friday.

The Malta Basketball Association augurs the best to both teams.