Champions show true form after the break

Hamrun Go Mobile 70
Depiro Kyocera 52
(14-14, 12-22, 25-9, 19-7)

Hamrun had playmaker Steve Pace making a comeback after more than two months away from the court.

He played a blinder and helped the champions to overcome the resistance provided by Depiro who, at first, looked like springing a surprise before Hamrun struck back with a strong showing after the interval.

After Hamrun had the better opening, 9-3, Depiro came back to level by the end of the session at 14-14.

Adrian Mifsud's team held the initiative in the second quarter to open a seven-point lead 23-16 and, notwithstanding Hamrun's pressure, they went on to change ends 36-26 ahead.

Depiro held a maximum lead of 38-26 but then Hamrun started their comeback and before the last ten minutes ticked away they were already leading 51-45.

With Pace inspiring his team-mates, Hamrun took firm hold of the match and relied on their experience to make sure of victory.

It was clear that Depiro ran out of breath after the break potting only 16 points to Hamrun's 44.

Hamrun: S. Pace 13, K. Borg 10, A. Spiteri 4, A. Borg 16, A. Portelli 4, O. Said 8, J. Jetsen 6, A. Bonnici 7, N. Falzon 2.

Depiro: R. Vella 22, C. Cassar 8, J. Rodriquez, G. Muscat 2, A. Aquilina 4, J. Vella 3, C. Bugeja, J.P. Azzopardi 6, E. Lupo, D. Ross 2, M. Mallia 5, D. Agius.

Referees: J.P. Sammut, G. Barbara.

Pembroke 77
Siggiewi 32
(8-11, 17-12, 23-3, 29-6)

As the scoreline clearly indicates this game was one-way traffic after the first session. Pembroke were without doubt the better side as they completely blotted out their opponents after the change of ends to clinch their sixth victory in the regular season.

Siggiewi were always playing catch-up but lost their rhythm after the first two sessions. The absence of some key players did not help matters either for coach Alex Farrugia.

Siggiewi won the first session 11-8 but then it was all Pembroke as Joe Galea's team came back strongly to cancel that deficit and never looked back.

Siggiewi did try to make a fight of it before the interval but a three-pointer saw Pembroke 25-23 ahead.

With Peter Shoults retiring injured, Siggiewi struggled to contain their opponents and with their shooting very erratic, Pembroke gained control to lead 48-26.

Siggiewi were nowhere to be seen in the last session, won convincingly by Pembroke for whom Michael Naudi top-scored with 24 points.

Pembroke: M. Naudi 24, J. Zammit 2, N. Lubrano 6, E. Bezzina, J. Galea, T. Riolo 15, C. Calleja 2, A. Micallef 10, D. Cuschieri 6, K. Baldacchino 12.

Siggiewi: E. Xuereb 4, S. Sammut 3, L. Camilleri 9, J. Doughty, H. Agius 5, M. Barberi 7, J.P. Bonnici 2, P. Shoults 2, A. Huizer.

Referees: S. Micallef, E. Mangani.

Standings: Hamrun 17 (8-1), Pembroke 16 (6-4), Luxol 14 (5-4), Siggiewi 13 (3-7), Depiro 12 (2-8).

Top-scorers: M. Naudi (Pembroke) 168, C. Sammut (Luxol) 156, R. Vella (Depiro) 147, S. Schembri (Luxol) 143, P. Shoults (Siggiewi) 141.

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