YEREVAN (Armenia) - Armenia kept their unbeaten record intact to reach the FIBA U16 EuroBasket 2026, Division C Final, where they will meet Malta with the title on the line.
The hosts defeated Moldova 82-66 after pulling away in the fourth quarter, but were made to work hard after surrendering a 12-point first-half lead. Moldova responded with a 21-8 third quarter to briefly move in front before the hosts answered with a dominant 30-13 final period.
Anthony Sarkesian starred with 26 points and 26 rebounds, while Dmitri Hajyan added 17 points. Mihail Petrov also filled the stat sheet with 11 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals to help Armenia pull away late.
Moldova were led by Timur Braghis with 20 points and 9 rebounds, and threatened an upset after taking a 53-52 lead late in the third quarter.
Armenia are now one win away from reclaiming the Division C title after last lifting the trophy in 2017, and will look to complete an unbeaten run when they face Malta in Sunday's Final.
Malta defeated previously unbeaten Kosovo 113-110 after surviving a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback to reach the Final. After leading by as many as 18 points, Malta saw Kosovo storm back to briefly move ahead before responding in the last minute to secure the victory.
Beau Samuel Kisvarda led the way with 32 points, 15 rebounds, 8 assists and 5 steals, while Zac Said Hollier added 30 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals, including a crucial three-pointer and layup in the closing stages.
Orik Istrefi finished with 31 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 6 steals for Kosovo, who produced a remarkable fightback after trailing by 18 points late in the second half.
The previously unbeaten side had chances to force overtime, but missed two crucial free throws with 14.4 seconds remaining before Malta sealed the win.
Final:
Armenia vs Malta
Third-Place Game:
Moldova vs Kosovo
FIBA