USA Select Women continued their impressive run at the Elite Basketball Tournament 2026 with a convincing victory over Starlites, while the Starlites men came from behind to defeat Colorado Realm on the second day of action at the Malta Basketball Association Pavilion in Ta’ Qali.

The American women registered an 82-33 victory to make it two wins from two, while Starlites recovered from a difficult opening quarter to beat Colorado Realm 93-67.

Starlites 33, USA Select Women 82

USA Select Women maintained their unbeaten start to the tournament with another commanding performance, overcoming Starlites 82-33.

Starlites started positively and competed well with their American opponents during the opening quarter, with Zammit Cordina and Dabic leading the Maltese side with eight and seven points respectively.

However, USA Select gradually began to impose their pace and athleticism on the contest before taking complete control during the second half.

Increased defensive pressure allowed the Americans to create opportunities in transition and steadily extend their advantage.

Cook, who had already impressed in the opening-day victory over Athleta, led USA Select with 20 points, while McDowell added 19 in another balanced team performance.

Both coaches took the opportunity to rotate their squads, with Starlites giving valuable minutes to several promising youngsters against strong international opposition.

The result was USA Select’s second emphatic victory of the tournament following their 90-41 success against Athleta Basketball Club on the opening day.

Starlites 93, Colorado Realm 67

The men’s encounter proved considerably more competitive, particularly during an entertaining first half.

Colorado Realm produced a much-improved performance following their heavy opening-day defeat against USA Select and raced into an early 12-point advantage.

Playing with greater confidence and intensity, the American side put Starlites under considerable pressure during the opening stages, with Valdez once again leading the way. He finished as Colorado’s top scorer with 20 points.

Starlites responded strongly and gradually worked their way back into the contest. The Maltese champions increased their defensive intensity and found greater rhythm in attack during the second quarter.

They eventually wiped out Colorado’s advantage, with the two teams heading into the half-time break level at 44-44.

Starlites carried that momentum into the second half and began to take control.

Kosakowski led the Maltese champions with 21 points, while Jallow contributed 15 as Starlites opened a 62-50 advantage by the end of the third quarter.

Colorado continued to battle, with Burnett contributing 12 points, but Starlites remained composed and maintained their defensive pressure while continuing to find scoring opportunities.

The Maltese side pulled further clear during the final quarter to complete an impressive turnaround and secure a 93-67 victory.

Depiro face USA Select Women in final

Attention now turns to the third day of the tournament, with the women’s final and another Malta-USA encounter on the programme.

Depiro will face USA Select Women in the final at 5pm. The Americans head into the contest following convincing victories over Athleta and Starlites, while Depiro will attempt to provide the local challenge as the two sides battle for the tournament title.

At 7pm, USA Select Men will face Valletta. The American selection will be looking to build on their dominant opening performance, while Valletta will have the opportunity to test themselves against USA Select’s pace, athleticism and depth.

Day 3 programme – Malta Basketball Association Pavilion, Ta’ Qali

5pm – Depiro vs USA Select Women – Women’s Final

7pm – USA Select Men vs Valletta