GIBRALTAR (FIBA Women's European Championship for Small Countries) - Andorra and Ireland celebrated victories to begin the FIBA Women's European Championship for Small Countries in Gibraltar.

Andorra almost blew a 50-35 lead in the final quarter against the home team as Gibraltar came all the way back to 50-46, only to see Nadia Mun Mas score three straight points to put it out of their reach in the final minute.

Andorra won 54-48 with 12 points from Mun Mas and 15 more from Maria Bastida Albert.

Joelle Moreno was excellent for Gibraltar, scoring nearly half of all the host team's points. She finished with 23 points, eight rebounds and four assists.

There was no drama in the other game. Ireland ran away from Wales, getting an 84-43 win to start their campaign in FIBA Women's European Championship for Small Countries.

The Irish ladies used their one-two punch to defeat Wales. Sarah Woods had a game-high 19 points in just 22 minutes of play, while Aoife McDermott claimed a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double. Casey Grace also ended in double figures with 10 points. Laura Jane Shanahan finished with 12 points for Wales.

Ireland will be chasing a second win against Moldova in Group A, while Andorra face off with Malta in Group B on Wednesday, in the second day of action.

FIBA