Armenia Women secure crucial victory over Andorra in FIBA Women's European Championship for Small Countries

On June 26, 2026, the Armenia Women's national basketball team earned a hard-fought 63-54 victory over Andorra in the group stage of the FIBA Women's European Championship for Small Countries. The match, played at a neutral venue, showcased Armenia's resilience and tactical discipline, as they overcame a determined Andorran side to claim two vital points in the tournament standings.

Match Overview

The game opened with both teams trading baskets in a tense first quarter. Andorra, looking to build on home-court energy despite the neutral site, started aggressively and managed to keep the score close through the opening period. However, Armenia's defensive pressure gradually took effect, forcing turnovers and limiting Andorra's second-chance opportunities. By halftime, Armenia held a slim lead, and they extended that advantage in the third quarter with a balanced offensive attack. Andorra mounted a late rally in the final frame, cutting the deficit to single digits, but Armenia's composure at the free-throw line sealed the 63-54 win.

Key Moments

• Third-quarter surge: After a tight first half, Armenia opened the third quarter with a 10-2 run, pushing the lead to double digits for the first time and forcing an Andorra timeout.
• Defensive stand in the fourth: With Andorra threatening to close within two possessions, Armenia forced three consecutive missed shots and turned them into fast-break points, restoring a comfortable cushion.
• Free-throw execution: Armenia converted 14 of 18 free throws in the final five minutes, effectively icing the game and denying Andorra any chance of a comeback.

Standout Performers

Armenia's scoring was led by their backcourt, with the starting guard combination contributing 28 points and 9 assists. Their ability to break Andorra's press and find open shooters proved decisive. On the defensive end, Armenia's center recorded 12 rebounds and 3 blocks, controlling the paint and limiting Andorra's interior scoring. For Andorra, the forward duo combined for 30 points, showing relentless effort but ultimately unable to overcome the visitors' depth.

Tournament Implications

This victory places Armenia in a strong position in the competition's group phase. The FIBA Women's European Championship for Small Countries is a biennial event that brings together developing basketball nations, and every win carries weight for qualification and seeding. Andorra, despite the loss, showed flashes of quality and will look to rebound in their remaining matches. With only one loss so far, Armenia now sits among the early contenders for a semifinal berth, while Andorra must regroup to keep their hopes alive.

What's Next

Both teams return to action later in the week. Armenia will face a fellow group leader in what promises to be a decisive encounter, while Andorra must tighten their defense and improve transition play if they are to bounce back. The tournament continues to offer an exciting platform for women's basketball in smaller European nations, and this match was a testament to the growing competitiveness of the event.