Gibraltar Edges San Marino in Thrilling FIBA European Championship for Small Countries Opener

Gibraltar kicked off their FIBA European Championship for Small Countries campaign with a hard-fought 72-67 victory over San Marino on June 28, 2026. The contest, played at the Serravalle Sports Hall, lived up to its billing as a clash between two ambitious small-nation programs, with Gibraltar holding off a late San Marino rally.

Match Summary

The game was tightly contested throughout the first half, with San Marino taking a narrow 35-33 lead into the break. However, Gibraltar came out firing after halftime, using a 22-14 third-quarter surge to flip the script. Their defense forced San Marino into seven third-quarter turnovers, which translated into easy transition buckets.

San Marino refused to go quietly, trimming the deficit to 66-64 with three minutes remaining. But Gibraltar showed composure, hitting critical free throws down the stretch—shooting 12-of-15 from the line in the fourth quarter—and securing key offensive rebounds to seal the win.

Standout Players

• Julian Santos (Gibraltar) – The guard poured in 24 points, including 8 in the final quarter, and dished out 5 assists. His late-game heroics were instrumental.
• David Reyes (Gibraltar) – Added a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds, dominating the glass when it mattered most.
• Luca Casali (San Marino) – Led his team with 19 points and 4 steals, but his efforts were not enough to overcome Gibraltar’s balanced attack.

Tournament Context

The FIBA European Championship for Small Countries gives nations like San Marino and Gibraltar a platform to compete on the continental stage. This opening result puts Gibraltar in a strong position in Group A, while San Marino must now look to bounce back in their next match to keep semifinal hopes alive.

Both teams displayed grit and skill, but Gibraltar’s ability to execute in pressure moments made the difference. With several more group-stage games remaining, this victory could prove pivotal in determining who advances.