The 2026 FIBA European Championship for Small Countries saw a decisive showdown as Andorra powered past San Marino 99-79 on June 24. The match, which tipped off at 23:00 local time, underlined Andorra’s status as one of the tournament's strongest contenders while exposing the gaps San Marino will need to close as the competition progresses.

Match Overview

From the opening whistle, Andorra established an aggressive tempo, utilizing sharp ball movement and efficient three-point shooting to build an early cushion. By halftime, they had opened a double-digit lead that they never relinquished. San Marino, playing on home soil, showed flashes of resilience with timely runs in the second and third quarters but could not consistently break through Andorra's disciplined defense.

The final score of 99-79 reflected Andorra's dominance in transition and their ability to convert defensive stops into quick points. San Marino kept the game competitive for stretches, particularly early in the third quarter, but Andorra's superior depth and shooting accuracy proved decisive.

Key Moments

• First-quarter surge: Andorra opened the game on a 14-2 run, forcing San Marino to play catch-up.
• Third-quarter punch: San Marino cut the deficit to single digits midway through the third quarter, but Andorra responded with a 13-3 spurt to restore control.
• Closing statement: Andorra shot over 50% from the field in the final quarter, putting the game beyond doubt and reaching the 99-point mark.

Standout Players

While individual statistics were not available in the official summary, Andorra's balanced attack was evident through their team-oriented play. Multiple players appeared to reach double figures, led by a commanding performance in the paint and consistent perimeter shooting. For San Marino, the backcourt showed determination in pushing the pace and creating second-chance opportunities, though they lacked the supporting firepower to keep pace with Andorra's relentless offense.

Tournament Implications

This victory places Andorra in a strong position within the FIBA European Championship for Small Countries standings, boosting their net rating and confidence as they aim for the knockout rounds. San Marino, meanwhile, must regroup quickly. Their home-court advantage could not overcome Andorra's execution, but the team demonstrated enough fight to believe they can still compete for a playoff spot if they sharpen their defensive rotations and reduce turnovers.

For both teams, every possession matters in a compact tournament format. Andorra's commanding performance sets a high bar, while San Marino will need to learn from this defeat to stay alive in the competition.