Newsroom
Cyprus' U18 women's national basketball team finished with the silver medal at the FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket Division C after falling 56-35 to Malta in Sunday's final in Peja, Kosovo.
Although Cyprus had defeated Malta during the group stage, the final proved a different contest. Malta took control early and built a comfortable advantage before half-time, leaving the Cypriot side with too much ground to recover despite a stronger second-half display.
Cyprus struggled to convert its scoring opportunities throughout the game, finishing with 13 successful field goals from 65 attempts, including two three-pointers from 20 shots. Anna Koukouri led the team's scoring with 10 points, while Emmelia Siamisii added eight. For Malta, Samira Deguara scored 16 points and Caitlin Grace Grima contributed 12.
The runners-up finish capped an impressive tournament for Cyprus, which recorded three victories on its way to the championship game and secured a place on the podium with the silver medal.
The competition also brought individual recognition for Cyprus, with Katerina Siakalli being named the tournament's Most Valuable Player and selected in the Team of the Tournament.
Siakalli was one of Cyprus' standout performers throughout the event. She opened the campaign with 21 points against Albania, produced a double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds in the group-stage win over Malta, and followed that with an all-round display of 14 points, eight rebounds, four assists and four steals in the semi-final victory over Georgia.
Her performances throughout the championship earned her the tournament's top individual honour, adding another success to Cyprus' campaign in Kosovo.
