Hamrun Go Mobile 65
Pembroke 78
(15-21, 12-13, 19-18, 19-26)

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Pembroke reacted positively to their surprise defeat against Depiro the week before by lowering Hamrun's colours. The champions had to do without pivot captain Albert Spiteri on Sunday and his absence was sorely felt.

While Pembroke demonstrated their typical aggressive defence and manoeuvred in attack, Hamrun found it difficult to contain their opponents underneath the boards. Spiteri's replacement Jide Jetsen never lived up to expectations.

Pembroke potted the first nine points. Hamrun coach Alfred Mifsud immediately called a time-out and after the first basket his team improved significantly.

With forward Michael Naudi and fit-again Kris Baldacchino finding space in Hamrun's defence, Pembroke led 30-20 with five minutes left for half-time.

Omar Said was having a difficult match against his former team and Hamrun instead introduced fast playmaker Steve Pace on court for the first time this season. Mifsud's team reduced the gap to 34-27 till half-time.

Hamrun had the better start to the third session but after levelling at 36-all, Pembroke regained their touch to pot their way into the lead.

Hamrun's recovery hopes were shattered as the last ten minutes got underway. A 12-2 break saw the Reds comfortably ahead (64-48) and on their way to a second victory from three matches.

Hamrun: S. Pace 15, K. Borg 6, D. Camilleri 9, A. Borg, A. Portelli 12, O. Said 12, J. Jetsen 6, A. Bonnici 5, N. Falzon, C. Griscti.

Pembroke: M. Naudi 27, J. Zammit, E. Bezzina 11, J. Galea, T. Riolo 6, C. Calleja, A. Micallef 9, D. Cuschieri 5, K. Baldacchino 15, J. Ransley, J. Gatt 5.

Refs: B. Vassallo, S. Micallef.

Depiro Kyocera 49
Bupa Luxol 73
(10-23, 9-21, 18-16, 12-13)

After the previous week's ex-ploits, Depiro were brought down to earth with a bang by a determined Luxol side who never gave their opponents the chance to settle down.

With playmaker Roderick Vella well under check by Luxol, it was left to veteran Don Ross to pot the points.

Luxol had Dirk Schembri and Chris Sammut in fine form and built an early lead. Depiro's recovery was short-lived as John Tabone's players dominated the last minutes of the first quarter to hold a good 23-10 lead.

With Depiro unable to up their game, Luxol continued to dictate matters. By half-time their lead increased to 44-19 even though they had to substitute Sammut and Steve Schembri.

With Sammut on the bench, Luxol could not sustain their pressure and Depiro took advantage to make the score more respectable.

Luxol, however, were never in danger of losing this match.

Depiro: R. Vella 4, J. Vassallo 2, J. Rodriquez, C. Bugeja, C. Agius 4, J. Vella 10, M. Ciantar 2, J.P. Azzopardi 1, E. Lupo 5, D. Ross 15, M. Mallia 2, D. Agius 4.

Luxol: C. Sammut 8, M. Mercieca 5, R. Azzopardi 11, M. Micallef, R. Schembri, C. Pulis, R. Dalli, D. Schembri 22, E. Caruana Montaldo, S. Cassar 13, S. Schembri 14.

Refs: E. Mangani, G. Barbara.

Current standings: Pembroke 5 (2-1); Luxol 4 (2-0); Depiro 4 (1-2); Hamrun 3 (1-1); Siggiewi 2 (0-2).

Sunday's fixtures:
2.30 p.m. Siggiewi vs Depiro
4.15 p.m. Luxol vs Hamrun.

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