Hamrun rally to reach last four

The MBA Shield semi-finalists are Depiro, Pembroke, Luxol and Hamrun. The pairings will be determined after tomorrow's final ties.

Bupa Luxol 57
Hamrun Go Mobile 72
(17-13, 17-16, 18-19, 5-24)

Though shorn of various key players, including Albert Spiteri, Omar Said and Jide Jetsen, Hamrun were still strong enough to win this match and book their place in the semi-finals. Hamrun were in a class of their own in the last quarter to make sure of progress in the competition.

Luxol were badly hit by the absence of playmaker Chris Sammut (injured). At times, it was clear Luxol were struggling to find a suitable replacement.

Hamrun did the early running but Luxol finished the first session better to take a 17-13 lead. Hamrun then potted the first seven points of the second quarter but Luxol bounced back to lead 34-29 at half-time.

Luxol looked in control when extending their lead to 42-30 after the interval but a drop in concentration allowed Hamrun to get back in contention and close the gap to four points - 52-48.

This was a delicate moment for both sides but it was Hamrun who emerged from that dark patch first.

Ten consecutive points saw them 58-52 ahead. Luxol tried to recover but their comeback bid was far from cohesive. In the end the holders were unable to avoid their first upset in the qualifying group.

Luxol: M. Mercieca 6, R. Azzopardi 11, M. Micallef, R. Schembri 2, C. Pulis, R. Dalli, D. Schembri 9, E. Caruana Montaldo, S. Cassar 16, S. Schembri 13.

Hamrun: S. Pace 17, K. Borg 8, D. Camilleri 13, A. Spiteri, A. Borg, A. Portelli 11, A. Bonnici 23, N. Falzon, C. Griscti.

Refs: S. Micallef, J.P. Sammut.

Siggiewi Smina 57
Depiro Kyocera 74
(13-18, 10-17, 17-14, 17-25)

Siggiewi had to win this match to reach the last four but were never able to penetrate Depiro's tight zone and that proved their downfall.

Depiro's shooting and combination in attack were more efficient on the day with veteran Don Ross again in evidence. In the late stages of the first session Depiro broke the equilibrium to open a five-point lead. Hard as they tried Siggiewi could never bridge that gap as Depiro moved to a 35-23 lead at the break.

Siggiewi improved after lemon time to cut into Depiro's lead (46-40) but a Joe Vella three-pointer halted their run. Depiro never looked back and aided by Siggiewi's now customary disastrous start to the last quarter, Adrian Mifsud's team went on to make sure of victory.

Siggiewi: R. Mifsud 2, S. Sammut 9, L. Camilleri 4, J. Doughty 2, H. Agius, M. Barberi, P. Schultz 19, J.P. Bonnici 2, P. Ferrante 2, S. Saakian 11, A. Huizer 6, E. Xuereb.

Depiro: R. Vella 20, J. Vassallo 2, J. Rodriquez, C. Bugeja, C. Agius, J. Vella 3, A. Ciantar, J.P. Azzopardi 14, E. Lupo 7, D. Ross 23, M. Mallia, D. Agius 5.

Refs: E. Mangani, C. Farrugia.

Standings: Depiro 6 (2-2); Pembroke 5 (2-1); Hamrun 5 (2-1); Luxol 5 (2-1); Siggiewi 3 (0-3).

Tomorrow: 6.15 P.M. Hamrun-Siggiewi; 7.45 P.M. Pembroke-Luxol.