Holders Malta lose heavily to Luxembourg
Luxembourg 63Malta 37(7-8, 15-10, 25-5, 16-14)\nLuxembourg yesterday gained revenge for their defeat to Malta two years ago at the University Sports Hall by beating Santino Coppa's team handsomely at the Poliesportiu d'Andorra complex. Luxembourg were...
Luxembourg 63
Malta 37
(7-8, 15-10, 25-5, 16-14)
\nLuxembourg yesterday gained revenge for their defeat to Malta two years ago at the University Sports Hall by beating Santino Coppa's team handsomely at the Poliesportiu d'Andorra complex.
Luxembourg were favourites to win gold in 2003 but were foiled after a 59-50 upset to hosts Malta. They went on to lose the play-off for bronze but yesterday they served notice of their intentions to do well in Andorra by beating Malta 63-37.
Malta, the 2003 winners, were still in the match until the half-time break. They were only four points behind (22-18) but the third quarter was decisive for Luxembourg as they won it 25-5. That knocked the stuffing out of the Maltese who tried to make a fight out of it but to no avail.
With only four teams taking part in the women's basketball competition, Luxembourg's victory practically secures them a place on the podium at the end of the week.
Malta will try to lift their position today when playing against Iceland. Their last match tomorrow is against Andorra.