GIBRALTAR (FIBA Women's European Championship for Small Countries) - Ireland produced a monster second quarter to reach the Semi-Finals of the FIBA Women's European Championship for Small Countries in Gibraltar.

Mark Scannell's team claimed the second quarter 27-12 against Moldova before finishing the job after the break with a 77-53 win. Ireland secured first place in Group A and can enjoy their two days off before the fight for the medals.

Danielle O'Leary pulled all the strings on offence, finishing with 12 points and a game-high six assists in just 16 minutes of play. Claire Rockall rocked the arena with 11 points, seven rebounds and three steals, while Sinead Deegan and Aine McKenna also finished in double digits, with 11 and 10 points respectively.

Natalia Burlacova played all 40 minutes for Moldova, scoring a game-high 14 points. Ala Gavrilita had 13 points and nine rebounds.

In Group B Malta got on board with a 67-42 win over Andorra. On Thursday, Malta will face Gibraltar with a prospect of all three teams finishing at 1-1. But Malta could clinch first place and a Semi-Finals berth with another performance like that they showed against Andorra.

Two Grimas led the way for Malta. Josephine and Christina combined for 25 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists and seven steals. Ashleigh Stephanie Vella added 11 points for Angela Adamoli's team.

Nadia Mun Mas and Claudia Brunet Solano had 11 points apiece for Andorra, who now await their next opponent in the qualifying games for Semi-Finals.

FIBA