Kosovo defeat hosts Albania for first title

    2 min to read
    Review
    Kosovo rose above all others

    Kosovo ruined the party in Tirana by knocking off Albania in the Final to reach the top step of the podium for the first time.

    TIRANA (Albania) - Kosovo captured the title at the FIBA U16 EuroBasket 2024, Division C by beating hosts Albania 101-61 for their first crown in this event.

    Kosovo, who had reached the 2015 Final for their only other podium finish, laid the groundwork with a 28-8 first quarter and never trailed. Besim Bytyqi led the way for Kosovo with 22 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists and Lis Binishi added 20 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists

    Albania and their home fans will not be happy about losing out on the gold but they did collect their second medal to go with third place in 2022.

    Armenia claimed third place

    Armenia claimed their spot on the podium by fighting past Azerbaijan 71-63 for third place. Rafayel Masumyan collected 20 points, 10 rebounds and 6 steals in helping Armenia reach the podium for a third time after winning the trophy in 2017 and taking second place in 2022.

    Azerbaijan, who failed to pick up their fourth medal, wasted an outstanding showing from Huseyn Mammadov with 29 points and 15 rebounds.

    San Marino secured fifth place by beating Malta 70-40 with Federico San Martini scoring 16 points. Republic of Moldova finished seventh with a Alexei Svetenco collecting 27 points and 15 rebounds.

    Final Standings 1. Kosovo 2. Albania 3. Armenia 4. Azerbaijan 5. San Marino 6. Malta 7. Republic of Moldova 8. Gibraltar

    FIBA

    Latest news

    YII Kastrati headlines All-Star Five after being named MVP

    Kosovo defeat hosts Albania for first title

    Hosts Albania and Kosovo to face off for first title