PEJA (Kosovo) - Hosts Kosovo and 2024 runners-up Malta remained unbeaten through the Group Phase, while Albania and Armenia secured the remaining Semi-Finals spots at the FIBA Women's European Championship for Small Countries 2026.
Malta finished top of Group A after opening the tournament with a 67-59 victory over Albania before recording a dominant 97-53 win against Georgia to maintain their perfect record heading into the Semi-Finals.
Amber Constance Melgoza had two huge performances for Malta with 38 points and 20 rebounds in their opening win, before following it with 35 points to help her side to 2-0.
Meanwhile, Kosovo also completed an unbeaten Group Phase campaign in front of the home crowd in Peja with victories over Armenia, 72-44, and an 85-39 success over Andorra to finish first in Group B.
Albania joined Malta in the Semi-Finals following a 98-78 victory against Georgia in the decisive Group A clash. Although Georgia remained competitive through much of the contest, Albania gradually pulled away in the fourth quarter with several key baskets from beyond the arc.
Ornela Lalaj starred with a triple-double of 16 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists as Albania secured second place in the group.
Armenia earned the last remaining Semi-Finals spot after defeating Andorra 63-54 in a tightly contested Group B showdown. The game remained close throughout with both sides trading momentum before Armenia eventually pulled away late in the fourth quarter.
Lia Krumian led the victors with 25 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals in the crucial victory as Armenia secured second place in Group B.
Georgia and Andorra will now move into the Classification Games after narrowly missing out on the Semi-Finals.
Semi-Finals: Malta vs Armenia Kosovo vs Albania
FIBA