USA Select made an impressive start to the Elite Basketball Tournament 2026 as their men’s and women’s teams recorded convincing victories on the opening day at the Malta Basketball Association Pavilion in Ta’ Qali.

The USA Select women defeated Athleta Basketball Club 90-41 before their men’s team produced a dominant display to overcome Colorado Realm 155-35.

USA Select Women 90, Athleta BC 41

USA Select Women marked their first appearance in Malta with a commanding performance against Athleta, demonstrating their pace, athleticism and scoring ability.

For Athleta, the match represented an important pre-season test and provided an opportunity to give playing time to several new additions ahead of the domestic campaign.

Jones, Perez Gomez, Vella and Marmara were among the new faces as Athleta continued the process of integrating their revamped roster.

Jones led the Maltese side with 16 points, but USA Select’s strength in depth proved decisive, with five of their players reaching double figures.

Cook led the Americans with 15 points as USA Select consistently pushed the tempo and used their athleticism effectively at both ends of the court.

Despite the margin of defeat, Athleta improved as the match progressed, while several youngsters from the club’s nursery were also given valuable playing time against international opposition.

USA Select Men 155, Colorado Realm 35

USA Select were even more dominant in the opening match of the men’s competition, defeating Colorado Realm 155-35.

From the early stages, USA Select’s athleticism, defensive pressure and high-tempo approach caused considerable problems for Colorado, who were making their first appearance in Malta.

Colorado also found themselves in foul trouble as the game progressed, making their task increasingly difficult against an American side boasting considerable depth throughout their roster.

Bynum led the scoring with 25 points, while Morgan contributed another 20 for USA Select.

Valdez was Colorado Realm’s leading scorer with 10 points.

Cshuran also provided some of the highlights of the evening with a series of spectacular dunks as USA Select underlined their physical superiority.

For Colorado, the heavy defeat nevertheless provided their players with their first experience of the tournament ahead of their next assignment against Malta’s reigning champions.

Starlites enter the fray on Day 2

The tournament continues on Thursday with another two international encounters at the Malta Basketball Association Pavilion.

Starlites will face USA Select Women at 5pm, with the Maltese side set for a stern test against an American team coming off an emphatic opening victory.

The men’s encounter at 7pm will see Starlites make their tournament bow against Colorado Realm.

Colorado will be looking to bounce back from their opening defeat, while Starlites will have their first opportunity to test themselves against international opposition.

Thursday’s programme – Malta Basketball Association Pavilion, Ta’ Qali

5pm – Starlites vs USA Select Women

7pm – Starlites vs Colorado Realm