Andorra Men's Basketball Team Clinches Semifinal Spot with 80-50 Win Over Gibraltar

Andorra's men's basketball team secured a semifinal spot at the European Small States Championship in Gibraltar with an 80-50 victory over the hosts on Friday evening.

Sergi Serrato paced the winners with 17 points and a 19 valuation, while Toi Gabriel grabbed 12 rebounds. Coach Cristian Vegas' side controlled the game from the outset, building a substantial halftime lead and maintaining focus in the second half to finish atop the single-group stage alongside Malta.

The result capped Andorra's strong recovery after opening with a 56-82 loss to pre-tournament favourite Malta on Wednesday. Andorra led 18-11 after the first quarter but faltered with quarter scores of 15-24, 12-23 and 11-24 as Jordan Tucker scored 28 points including six three-pointers for Malta. Leo López led Andorra with 12 points, Joan Aguilar added five points, six rebounds and a team-high nine valuation, and Sergi Serrato dished four assists.

Andorra bounced back Thursday with a 99-79 rout of San Marino despite trailing 27-22 after the opening quarter. A dominant 36-19 second quarter flipped the score to 58-46 at halftime, followed by 25-19 and 16-14 edges. Serrato erupted for 29 points and seven assists, López earned MVP honours with a 30 valuation, and Gabriel added 12 points with 11 rebounds. Vegas noted the team's improved rebounding and tempo after a shaky start.

Andorra's women's team wrapped group play at the European C Championship in Peja, Kosovo, with losses of 39-85 to hosts Kosovo and 54-63 to Armenia. The squad, led by coach José Rodríguez, will contest fifth and sixth place. Semifinals continue Saturday, with finals Sunday.