Malta Overpowers Andorra 82-56 in Small States Europe Basketball Opener
Young Andorran team, coached by Cristian Vegas, faltered after early lead in tournament opener. They defend last year's title as underdogs with refreshed youth-heavy roster.
Key Points
- Andorra lost 56-82 to Malta in Gibraltar, after leading first quarter 18-11.
- Malta dominated quarters 2-4: 24-15, 23-12, 24-11.
- Joan Aguilar topped Andorra with 9 points; Gerard Lamelas scored 11.
- Next: San Marino on Saturday 17:00, Gibraltar on Friday 19:30.
Andorra's men's basketball team opened its Small States Europe Championship campaign with a 56-82 defeat to favoured Malta on Friday in Gibraltar.
The young Andorran squad, coached by Cristian Vegas, started strongly by winning the first quarter 18-11. Malta took control from the second period onward, outscoring Andorra 24-15 in that frame and maintaining dominance with 23-12 in the third and 24-11 in the fourth.
Joan Aguilar led Andorra with a team-high valuation of 9 points. Sergi Serrato followed with 8, including a game-high four assists, while Gerard Lamelas scored 11 points for a 7 valuation.
Despite securing the title at last year's home edition in 2024, Andorra entered as underdogs with a refreshed roster heavy on youth. Veteran Toi Gabriel captained the side alongside Aguilar, Serrato, Alejandro Aranda, Ken Santiago, Lamelas, Izan Fernández, Leo López, Àlex Peral, Ignasi Armengol, Mathis Mulard, and Biel Gallego.
The single-group tournament continues for Andorra with a match against San Marino on Saturday at 17:00, followed by a clash with hosts Gibraltar on Friday at 19:30. Semifinals are scheduled for Saturday, pitting first against fourth and second against third, with the final or bronze-medal game on Sunday.
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