31.07.2011
The Under 16 Women National team won the bronze medal after beating Monaco 49-45 in a thrilling match in the FIBA Europe Division C championship played in Andorra La Vella . It was a close game but a strong performance in the third session was crucial for the Maltese girls to obtain this successful placing. For Sandro Farrugia, who just ended a FIBA Europe coaching course, it is yet another success in the junior level following the bronze medal won in Malta in 2009 with the under 18 national team.The game had a slow start with the score tied up at 4-4 in the 4th minute. Two consecutive baskets by Monaco saw them taking the lead which they kept till the end of the 1st quarter 10-9. Monaco increased their lead in the second quarter 16-11 however Gaby Mifsud tied the score again 19-19 in the last seconds before Monaco scored once more to end the second session a basket ahead 21-19. Malta took the lead in the third minute of the third quarter 25-22 but Monaco recovered and went ahead again. Malta ended the quarter with a 9-3 run to open a 5 point lead 34-29. The foruth quarter saw Malta score another 5 consecutive points to go up 40-29. It was Monaco’s turn to react strongly with a 10-0 run, reducing the gap to just one point. A time-out helped settle the Maltese girls who managed to control the game again and obtain a wonderful victory and a bronze medal. Gaby Mifsud was Malta’s top performer with 19 points and Martina Darmanin had 12 rebounds.
