SHKODRA (Albania) - Four teams remain in contention for the FIBA U18 EuroBasket 2026, Division C title after the conclusion of the Group Phase.
Hosts Albania rose to the occasion against an unbeaten Moldova side; leading throughout the contest before pulling away in the third quarter to complete a convincing 76-54 victory to advance in the three-way tie at the top.
Genti Nilo contributed 23 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals as the hosts had three players score in double figures. Lucian Dontu finished with 24 points and 8 rebounds for Moldova.
Earlier in the day, Malta bounced back from a three-point first-quarter deficit to cruise past San Marino 106-67.
After taking control with a dominant second quarter, Malta never looked back and continued to stretch their advantage after the break. Kai Fabri starred with 28 points and 4 steals, while Beau Samuel Kisvarda added 15 points and 7 rebounds as Malta would top the group with a 2-1 record.
Meanwhile, after trailing by one at the end of the opening quarter, Kosovo pulled clear to defeat Armenia 90-65 and complete an unbeaten Group Phase in Group A.
Besim Bytyqi led the winners with 26 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists, while Lis Binishi added 16 points and knocked down four three-pointers.
Anthony Sarkesian finished with 22 points and 8 rebounds for Armenia, shooting a perfect 7-for-7 from the field, including 4-for-4 from beyond the arc, but his impressive display was not enough to prevent defeat.
The last Semi-Final place was then sealed by Andorra, who overwhelmed Gibraltar 97-44 after a dominant performance.
Andorra exploded for a 32-4 second period before following it up with a 31-2 third quarter to leave little doubt in sealing a second win.
Five players reached double figures, led by Jordi Matencio with 18 points and 11 rebounds, Unai Rodrigues also stuffed the stat sheet with 14 points, 8 steals, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds.
Semi-Finals
Kosovo vs Albania Malta vs Andorra
FIBA