An improved performance was not enough for Malta to avert a second successive defeat in the European Championship Division C qualifiers, this time at the hands of Andorra who won 55-52.

As was the case in Malta's opening 58-49 loss to hosts Scotland, Samuel Deguara (10 points), Godfrey Gauci (10) and Lee Ross (four) were the team's best performers.

Malta took the opening session 10-8 but Andorra hit back in the second to grab a three-point lead, 23-20. In the third quarter, Malta increased their efforts to edge one point ahead, 39-38, but Andorra had the final say after winning the last session 17-13 for a 55-52 win.

Despite the defeat, Malta recorded their best score against Andorra since 1998 as the latter had won each of their three previous meetings by 14 points or more.

Malta's third and final group match is against Wales who lost 71-45 to Scotland.

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