Gibraltar to play the hosts, Azerbaijan ride on Kirtadze triple-double

NICOSIA (FIBA U16 European Championship 2016 Division C) - Gibraltar set up a Semi-Final date with Cyprus, while Azerbaijan face off with Moldova in the other pairing, both following a much needed rest day on Friday.

Gibraltar's win over Andorra back on Day 2 proved to be crucial on Day 5. Those two teams ended up all tied at 2-2 in Group B, but Gibraltar advanced because of the 66-58 triumph back on Monday. On Thursday, the team clinched a Semi-Finals berth by defeating Armenia 73-44. Alejandro Garcia was unstoppable, going for 31 points and 24 rebounds, 12 of those being offensive. The whole Armenian team combined for ten offensive rebounds.

Michael Rodriguez helped Garcia with ten points, eight assists and six rebounds. Gurgen Melikyan and Khachatur Alanyan combined for 30 of Armenia's 44 points.

Andorra defeated Albania 60-37, but finished third in Group B. Nil Joval Martinez had a double-double of 15 points and ten rebounds for Andorra.

Azerbaijan claimed second spot in Group A by defeating Malta 81-33. Malta were 17 points down after the first period and the deficit grew to 49-17 at the half to put the Semi-Finals out of their reach.

Papuna Kirtadze was the triple-double hero for Azerbaijan. He collected 16 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists in less than 30 minutes on the floor. Alex Akhundov finished with 13 points and ten rebounds. Azerbaijan dominated inside, winning the rebounding battle 69-35, and outscoring Malta 60-16 in points in the paint.

San Marino got the first win of the championship, with Pietro Ugolini collecting 30 points and 12 rebounds in a 65-56 victory over Wales. Ugolini is averaging 30.3 points in his last three games.

Teams will enjoy a day off on Friday. The Semi-Finals tip off on Saturday. Cyprus and Moldova are strong favourites as they both hold a perfect record (4-0) after the first rounds of the championship.

FIBA