GIBRALTAR (Gibraltar) - Malta claimed the FIBA European Championship for Small Countries 2026 title after defeating previous champions Andorra 90-76 in the Final.
The victory completed an unbeaten campaign for Malta, who avenged their 2024 Final defeat against Andorra to secure their second title in the competition.
Jordan Tucker finished with 25 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists, while Michael Sjoberg added 23 points and 8 rebounds. Aaron Falzon also contributed 18 points as Malta's trio led the way offensively.
After leading 18-14 at the end of the opening quarter, Malta extended their advantage to double digits during the second period through strong ball movement, interior scoring and timely shooting from the perimeter.
However, Andorra gradually fought their way back into the game behind improved three-point shooting. Sergi Serrato Balletbo, who finished with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists, beat the halftime buzzer with a three-pointer to give the defending champions a narrow 35-34 lead at the break.
After a tightly contested start to the fourth quarter, Malta gradually pulled away behind key plays from Tucker, who hit a crucial three-pointer to make it 80-69 before adding a fast-break dunk moments later following an Andorra turnover.
Despite the defeat, Andorra had three players score at least 18 points and shot nearly 50 percent from three-point range, but were unable to match Malta's scoring inside the paint.
Earlier, hosts Gibraltar defeated San Marino 72-67 to secure their first-ever podium finish at the event.
Four Gibraltar players scored in double digits, while Pietro Ugolini led San Marino with 25 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists in defeat.
FIBA