The Malta U-16 team just missed out on a place on the podium at the European Championships Division C when Bruno Dipietrantonio’s boys lost to Wales 77-67 in Serravalle, San Marino, yesterday.
Malta looked in control when surging 22-9 ahead after the opening session. The Welsh gradually came more into the picture but they only managed to reduce the gap by two points when ends were changed as Malta held an 11-point lead, 43-32.
Wales looked a transformed outfit at the start of the third session and wiped up the deficit to start the last session tied at 57-all.
Malta’s fightback failed to arrive and the Welsh team maintained the upperhand to win the last session 20-10 to seal a 77-67 victory.
Andorra won the tournament when they beat San Marino 84-70 in the final.