The Malta U-16 boys national team produced a strong second-half performance at the pavilion yesterday to see off Gibraltar 59-33 in the final match from the European Championship Division C tournament and win the junior title for the first time.

It could have been a double for the Malta Basketball Association but the girls U-16 team were beaten 53-44 by Scotland in a decisive match and ultimately had to settle for a silver medal.

Gabriele Alessi’s boys came into the match on the back of three successive victories and needed to beat Gibraltar, the holders, to seal the title.

On Friday, Malta stayed in contention after edging a nail-biting 72-71 win over San Marino with Alec Felice Pace potting the match-winner five seconds from time.

Gibraltar gave their all but the hosts opened a five-point lead at the interval (27-22). Malta then stepped up a gear to canter to a comfortable win.

Kurt Cassar potted 26 points. He was the game’s leading scorer as Malta topped the standings on eight points.

Andorra, Wales and Gibraltar finished tied on six points in second place. Andorra were classified second on a superior points difference ahead of Wales in third place.

The Malta-Scotland clash was a decider for the honours in the tournament for U-16 girls.

The Scots held the upperhand and held a nine-point lead at the interval.

Sandro Farrugia’s team tried to fight back after the break but Scotland proved too strong to seal the win and the title.

Scotland finished top on eight points followed by Malta and Andorra. Wales were classified fourth ahead of Gibraltar.