Malta girls chalk up second victory

The Malta women's national team chalked up their second win in the FIBA Europe Division C after they beat Scotland 75-50 in Luxembourg yesterday.

Santino Coppa's girls, who on Monday had the better of Albania 80-55, were always in control against the Scots, opening a 21-point lead at the end of the opening two sessions, 42-21.

The Scottish team struggled to get back into the match as the Maltese girls, inspired by their three foreign-based players Josephine Grima, Loretta Ellul and Rebecca Brincat Thorensen, continued to widen the gap even further to start the final session with a commanding 30-point lead (57-27).

The fourth quarter was a mere formality as the Maltese easily administered their advantage till the end to remain on top of the group with maximum points from two matches.

Grima, who had a perfect score in free-throws with six conversions from as many attempts, was the game's top scorer with 24 points, followed by Ellul on 18.

Malta will play its final group match today when they face Wales.