The Malta Women’s national team kicked off their FIBA Women’s European Championship for Small Countries campaign in emphatic style, crushing Armenia Women by a staggering 107–52 scoreline on June 27, 2026. The game, played in a lively arena, saw Malta impose their will from the first quarter onward, never allowing Armenia to find any rhythm on either end of the floor.

First-Half Dominance

Malta exploded out of the gates with a 32–10 first quarter, fueled by aggressive drives to the basket and transition baskets forced from turnovers. By halftime, the lead had grown to 58–24, effectively ending the contest before the intermission. Armenia attempted to adjust their defense in the third quarter, but Malta’s ball movement and outside shooting proved too potent, as they knocked down 12 three-pointers on the night.

Standout Player

The game’s MVP was undoubtedly Malta’s veteran point guard, who orchestrated the offense with 22 points, 12 assists, and 7 steals. Her leadership on the floor kept the tempo high and her teammates involved. The inside presence was equally impactful, with Malta’s center finishing a double-double of 18 points and 14 rebounds, dominating the paint on both ends.

Team Effort and Depth

Malta’s bench contributed 44 points, a testament to the squad’s depth and preparation. Head coach rotated all 12 players, maintaining intensity throughout. Armenia Women, meanwhile, faced an uphill battle from the start; their leading scorer managed 15 points, but the team committed 22 turnovers and shot just 32% from the field. The rebounding margin (52–28 in favor of Malta) underscored the size and strength disparity.

Implications for the Tournament

This dominant victory places Malta Women as early favorites in the FIBA Women’s European Championship for Small Countries. The team will look to build on this momentum in their next group-stage match. For Armenia, the focus will shift to bouncing back and narrowing the gap in the remaining games of the competition, which features emerging basketball nations aiming for continental recognition.