The Malta men’s basketball national team struck gold at the FIBA European Championship for Small States when they brushed aside Norway 75-59 in the final in Serravalle on Sunday. 

It was a commanding performance from Andrea Paccarie’s boys who completed a perfect week in San Marino in some style as they were crowned champions of the competition with a very impressive display.

The Maltese made their intentions clear right from the outset as they managed to open a commanding 14-point lead by the end of the opening set, 22-8.

Norway, somewhat, managed to keep abreast with Malta’s pace in the second quarter as both teams scored 13 points apiece to leave the Maltese leading at the interval 35-21 ahead. 

In the third quarter, Malta continued to hold the upperhand and inspired by the dominant Samuel Deguara underneath the boards they headed into the last session 56-37 ahead.

Enjoying such a comfortable buffer, the Maltese managed to administer their advantage in the last quarter to run out as comfortable winners. 
Deguara was Malta’s leading scorer with 33 points.