The Kosovo Women’s National Team delivered a commanding performance in the FIBA Women’s European Championship for Small Countries, overpowering Armenia Women 72–44 on June 24, 2026. The victory underlined Kosovo’s growing strength on the regional stage and kept them firmly in contention for a top finish in the tournament.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, Kosovo imposed a fast tempo and aggressive defensive pressure that Armenia struggled to counter. The first quarter set the tone: Kosovo jumped to an early lead, holding Armenia to single-digit scoring while efficiently converting on offense. By halftime, Kosovo had opened a double-digit gap that only widened after the break.

Armenia, despite fighting hard, could not match Kosovo’s depth and chemistry. The Armenian side showed flashes of resilience, especially in the third quarter, but consistent turnovers and missed shots prevented them from closing the deficit. Kosovo’s balanced scoring and relentless rebounding proved to be the difference.

Key Moments

• First Quarter Domination: Kosovo raced to a 22–12 lead after the opening period, forcing three early Armenia turnovers and converting them into fast-break points.
• Second Quarter Surge: A 10–0 run midway through the second quarter pushed the lead to 20 points, effectively putting the game out of reach before halftime.
• Armenia’s Third-Quarter Response: Armenia’s best stretch came early in the third, when they cut the lead to 14 points with a 6–0 run. However, Kosovo quickly answered with a trio of three-pointers to restore order.
• Fourth Quarter Cruise: Kosovo’s bench players maintained the intensity, outscoring Armenia 18–12 in the final frame to seal the 72–44 victory.

Tactical Story

Kosovo’s game plan revolved around high-pressure defense and transition offense. They frequently trapped Armenia’s ball handlers in the half-court, forcing rushed decisions and poor passes. Offensively, Kosovo spread the floor with multiple shooters and attacked the paint off the dribble, creating easy layups and kick-out opportunities. Armenia, by contrast, relied heavily on isolation plays and mid-range jumpers, which proved inefficient against Kosovo’s length and disciplined rotations.

Rebounding was another decisive factor. Kosovo dominated the glass, especially on the offensive end, collecting second-chance points that demoralized the Armenian defense. Armenia’s lack of interior size and inability to box out consistently allowed Kosovo to control possessions.

Standout Players

For Kosovo, point guard Era Mehmedi orchestrated the offense with 14 points, 6 assists, and 4 steals, dictating the tempo from start to finish. Forward Vesa Lila added a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds, anchoring the paint. Armenia’s top performer was guard Mariam Harutyunyan, who battled for a team-high 18 points and 5 rebounds despite constant defensive attention.

Tournament Implications

The result pushed Kosovo’s record to 2–0 in the group stage, putting them in pole position for a semifinal berth. The win also improved their point differential, a key tiebreaker in a tight field. For Armenia, the loss dropped them to 1–1, but they remain in contention with matches still to play. The Armenian squad will need to sharpen their defensive rotations and find more scoring balance to advance.

Kosovo next faces a tough test against Malta, while Armenia takes on Gibraltar. Both games will be crucial in shaping the final standings in this year’s FIBA Women’s European Championship for Small Countries.