POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Tina Moen
Group A
Gibraltar - Moldova 70-64
Gibraltar held off Moldova for first win in Group A. Joelle Moreno (165-G/F-88, college: Cardiff Archers) netted 25 points to pace the winners. Moldova jumped to a 17:14 lead after ten minutes. They went on a 24:15 run in the third term to gain a 9-point lead. But Gibraltar responded with a 23:8 rally in the fourth quarter to ice the win. Marta Perez had 21 points for Gibraltar. Margarita Schitco (182-PF-87) answered with 22 points and 10 rebounds for Moldova.
Malta - Denmark 58-96
Denmark got to a confident start to their European Championship for Small Countries campaign. They stunned Malta in the opener. Maria Jespersen (183-F-94, college: S.Florida) provided 19 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Denmark built a 50:36 halftime lead. They went on a 29:10 run in the third period to clear off for good. Ida Pretzmann (178-G-90, college: TCU) had 16 points for the Scandinavian team. Josephine Grima (193-C-84) answered with 15 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists for Malta.
Group B
Norway - Ireland 73-62
Norway upset hosting Ireland in the opening day in Cork. Tina Moen (180-F-86, college: IPFW) came up with impressive 30-point performance to lead Norway to the opening win. Ireland grabbed a 41:33 halftime lead. Norway however answered with a 25:10 rally in the third period to surge ahead. They held Ireland to 11 points in the fourth frame to secure the winning outcome. Stine Austgulen (180-G-94) had 16 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists for Norway. Sarah Woods tossed in 18 points for Ireland.
Luxembourg - Cyprus 71-49
Luxembourg beat Cyprus in the opener. Nadia Mossong (182-F-86, college: E.Kentucky) stepped up with 16 points and 7 rebounds to lead the effort. Luxembourg accumulated a 37:23 halftime advantage. They held Cyprus to just 26 points in the second half to ease to the victory. Mandy Geniets (172-PG-98) and Julija Vujakovic (177-SF-99) had 11 points each for Luxembourg. Eleni Pilakouta responded with 11 points for Cyprus.
Eurobasket.com All-FIBA Women's European Championship for Small Countries Awards 2026
