Cyprus celebrate title success, Armenia's Gabrielyan named MVP

KORCE (Albania) - Cyprus have been crowned winners of the 2022 edition of the FIBA U16 Women's European Championship, Division C after beating Armenia 58-42 in Korce on Sunday.

The islanders had too much for their opponents and celebrated the title success despite the best efforts of Armenian ace Seda Gabrielyan who claimed 18 points, 8 rebounds and 4 steals . That contributed to her being named as the tournament MVP on a bitter-sweet night for the all-action guard.

The depth of Cyprus was highlighted by the fact that center Mikaella Savva made the All-Star Five, but it was a combination of Georgia Michael and Evdokia Patsalidou who got it done to take their team to gold. The former claimed a 14 point and 12 rebound double-double, with Patsalidou collecting 17 points.

While disappointed to not win the Final, there was also some added consolation for Armenia's Natalia Krumian who also bagged an All-Star Five berth.

Similarly, Sara Fenech Pace of Malta showed out again, this time with 22 points and 15 rebounds in a 64-47 victory against Andorra in the Third Place Game.

That cemented her place in the All-Star Five, with a big 20-9 third period also decisive. Andrea Cobo De Guzman of Andorra had a bitter-sweet evening, missing out on a medal but taking the last spot in the All-Star Five. 

Meanwhile in the classification game for 5th place, it was Albania who prevailed 61-52 against Moldova as Martina Haxhiu went to serious work with 11 points and a phenomenal 20 rebounds.

Final Standings

1. Cyprus
2. Armenia
3. Malta
4. Andorra
5. Albania
6.  Moldova

FIBA