DUBLIN (Ireland) - Three teams remain in contention for the title heading into the final day at the FIBA European Championship for Small Countries.

Andorra inflicted a first loss on Malta with an important 93-74 triumph rounding out their campaign, while Ireland moved to a perfect 3-0 as they eased past Gibraltar for a 113-63 win.

Bruno Bartolome top scored with 16 points off the bench for Andorra with three other players adding 13+ points in a balanced scoring effort as they shot 50-percent from the floor. Malta abolished their unbeaten record despite 23 points apiece from Tevin Falzon and Kurt Cassar.

Malta had the edge after 10 minutes as they led 25-19, but Andorra stepped up in the middle periods as they outscored their opponents 50-28 to take complete control and keep their title hopes alive as they now have to sit and wait tomorrow.

The equation is simple for the hosts. Another win and Ireland will be crowned champions as they looked in top form in beating Gibraltar by 50 points on Saturday evening with Sean Flood leading all scorers with 19 points. 

Ireland raced out of the blocks and took a commanding 57-28 advantage into the break with the damage already done as they powered to their third straight win. All eyes will be on their showdown with Malta in a title-decider that could see neither lift the title.

A win for Malta will result in a three-way tie at the top between themselves, Ireland and Andorra. The current head-to-head tie-break is as follows:

Ireland 1-0 (+15), Andorra 1-1 (+4), Malta 0-1 (-19)

FIBA