The Malta U-16 women’s national team made a dream start to their FIBA Europe U-16 Championship Division C campaign, producing a spirited display to defeat Georgia 61-59 in a thrilling opening match at the Ta’ Qali Pavilion.

The Maltese girls showed tremendous determination throughout the contest, battling back from several deficits before holding their nerve in the closing stages to secure a memorable victory over their highly-rated opponents.

Georgia made the brighter start, racing into a five-point lead within the opening two minutes. However, Malta gradually found their rhythm, with a Claire Portelli free throw drawing the hosts level before Martina Mendez Vazquez handed Malta their first lead of the evening at 10-8.

The visitors responded strongly, finishing the opening quarter with a decisive run to establish a 19-12 advantage.

Georgia continued to dictate play early in the second period, stretching their lead to 25-17 through Mariami Kekeli. But Malta refused to be discouraged and launched an impressive comeback.

Back-to-back three-pointers from Eve Axisa and Samira Deguara, combined with a field goal from Lara Micallef, swung the momentum firmly in Malta’s favour as the hosts overturned the deficit to edge into a 32-31 halftime lead.

The third quarter remained closely contested, with neither side able to gain a decisive advantage. Georgia eventually opened a four-point cushion with less than four minutes remaining in the period, but Malta responded immediately.

A three-pointer from Deguara reduced the deficit to a single point before Portelli struck from beyond the arc to restore Malta’s lead at 43-40.

Georgia had the final say in the quarter, however, as baskets from Zurabishvili and Kartvelishvili helped the visitors regain the initiative and take a 45-43 advantage into the decisive final period.

It looked as though Georgia had taken control of the contest when they surged into a seven-point lead midway through the fourth quarter. However, the Maltese side refused to surrender and produced a stunning late comeback.

Crucial baskets from Samira Deguara, Summer West, and Eve Axisa turned the game on its head, giving Malta a 59-56 advantage with just minutes remaining.

Georgia mounted one final push in the closing stages, but Roderick Vella’s side defended resolutely under pressure to preserve their narrow lead and seal a hard-fought 61-59 victory, giving Malta the perfect start to their European Championship campaign.