Luxol rely on experience to down plucky Siġġiewi

Siġġiewi Smina 77
BUPA Luxol 82
(16-16, 11-25, 29-17, 21-24)

Despite playing without injured duo Louis Camilleri and Clayton Agius, Siġġiewi offered a strong challenge to Luxol who were virtually at full strength, having recovered Dirk and Steve Schembri.

As was the case in the KO semi-final, a poor performance in the second quarter left Siġġiewi facing an uphill task. To their credit, they staged a remarkable recovery which saw them move ahead with nine minutes left but Luxol's greater experience saw them through.

The match had a balanced start as the two teams traded baskets. Alan Borg's last-gasp shot allowed Luxol to level the score at 16-16 at the end of the first quarter but by that stage, Steve Schembri already had three fouls attached to his name.

The fouls situation played a significant role in the end.

From the second minute of the second session, Robert Azzopardi and Marko Matijevic began to leave their mark on the match as Luxol took advantage of Siġġiewi's confused efforts. Luxol scored 14 consecutive points to open a 14-point lead, 41-27.

Siġġiewi were a transformed side after the interval and with Luxol losing their rhthym, they reduced the deficit to just three points in the sixth minute, 47-44. To make matters worse for the leaders, they had to substitute pivot Matijevic who was on his fourth foul.

Three successive three-pointers by Azzopardi boosted Luxol who started the final 10 minutes 58-56 in front.

With Matijevic back on court, Siġġiewi chose to drive on him for their baskets with Jide Jetsen piling up the points.

But to Luxol's relief, Matijevic and Azzopardi maintained the pressure on Siġġiewi. After fighting back to level at 67-67, Siġġiewi paid the price for their inexperience as Luxol held firm to secure victory and move top of the standings.

Siġġiewi: J.P. Antoncich, M. Pajec, J. Doughty, E. Xuereb, I. Mercieca 3, P. Shoults 17, J.P. Bonnici 14, A. Micallef 11, P. Vulovic 7, J. Jetsen 25.

Luxol: R. Dalli, M. Mercieca 2, R. Azzopardi 27, M. Micallef, A. Borg 8, A. Portelli 2, B. Micallef Trigona, T. Paris, D. Schembri 12, M. Matijevic 27, S. Schembri 4.

Referees: B. Vassallo, G. Barbara, A. Micallef.

Qormi 46
Depiro 59
(13-13, 11-16, 9-19, 13-11)

Depiro chalked up their third victory over Qormi to leave the latter anchored to the bottom of the table.

Both sides had several players missing but Qormi were the worst hit as they had to do without five players.

Antoine Costa made a promising start for Qormi but fitness problems caught up with him as the match progressed. Depiro's most notable absentee was Sassoun Saakian, injured.

Qormi opened a 6-2 lead but after a time-out, Depiro improved to wipe out the deficit, 13-13 the score at the end of the first quarter.

Depiro maintained their momentum as the second quarter got underway. With Qormi messing up their conclusions, Depiro headed for the half-time break five points ahead, 29-24.

Andrew Aquilina's shots kept Depiro in command in the third quarter as Qormi started the final 10 minutes with a 15-point deficit.

Qormi increased their efforts but Depiro easily administered their advantage.

Qormi: G. Borg 3, J. Sant, D. Bugeja, A. Tabone 18, K. Borg 8, A. Axiaq 5, A. Gatt, A. Costa 9, S. Cauchi 3, C. Bugeja.

Depiro: R. Vella 8, J.P. Schembri, I. Tanti 4, D. Bugeja 7, A. Aquilina 14, G. Muscat 3 ,J. Gatt 10, D. Debono 3, E. Lupo 7, D. Agius 3.

Referees: S. Micallef, E. Mangani, A. Carbonaro.

Standings: Luxol 19 (9-1); Compleet 17 (8-1); Siġġiewi 13 (4-5), Depiro 13 (3-7) Qormi 10 (0-10).

Top scorers: M. Matijevic (Luxol) 196; D. Schembri (Luxol) 178; S. Schembri (Luxol) 156; P. Shoults (Siġġiewi) 151; M. Naudi (Compleet) 118.

Next fixtures (Powerade League): Saturday, 16.15 Compleet IS SW vs Qormi. Sunday 16.15 Depiro vs Siġġiewi Smina.