Siggiewi Smina have opened a one-point lead at the top of the Gatorade League thanks to their win over Qormi Kia and Depiro's surprise defeat of Bupa Luxol. Pembroke SW collected their second victory at the expense of Floriana.

Bupa Luxol 55
Depiro 61
(11-14, 14-18, 14-9, 16-20)

Luxol, missing the services of Jide Jetsen, suffered their first upset of the regular season.

Luxol had already received a warning in midweek when they had to fight very hard to overcome Depiro in the BOV KO competition, just winning 70-69.

This time, Depiro, led by the in-form Antoine Costa, did not wither when Luxol increased their pressure in a bid to cancel out the deficit.

Luxol enjoyed a slight lead in the opening minutes but Depiro hit back quickly. As Luxol toiled to penetrate their opponents' zone defence, Depiro edged 14-11 ahead.

Luxol worked hard to try and regain the initiative as the second session got underway but Depiro held firm to extend their lead to seven points at half-time, 32-25.

Several substitutions helped Luxol to hit back midway through the third quarter. They began the last session a basket behind, 41-39.

Luxol's rally saw them moving 45-43 ahead in the opening minutes of the last session. Depiro coach Adrian Mifsud immediately called a time-out during which both teams effected a couple of substitutions.

Depiro stopped Luxol's comeback to reclaim the lead. Luxol's hopes suffered a blow three minutes from time when Steve Schembri, their best shooter, had to leave court after suffering an injury.

A three-pointer from Costa sealed Luxol's fate.

Luxol: C. Sammut 16, M. Mercieca 3, R. Azzopardi 4, M. Micallef, A. Borg, M. Portera, C. Pulis, D. Schembri 16, E. Caruana Montaldo 2, S. Schembri 14.

Depiro: R. Vella 15, C. Cassar, M. Sammut 2, G. Muscat 2, A. Aquilina, A. Tabone, M. Mallia 4, E. Lupo 13, A. Costa 18, I. Tanti, D. Agius 7.

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

Qormi Kia 49
Siggiewi Smina 82
(13-26, 15-15, 10-17, 11-24)

As expected, leaders Siggiewi were too strong for Qormi.

Qormi lost the services of shooter Jean Paul Azzopardi to Siggiewi in the December transfer period. On the other hand, Siggiewi had Michael Barberi joining SN Suns while Peter Shoults was unavailable for last weekend's match.

Qormi, with coach Tony Camilleri conspicuous by his absence, had a difficult start as they trailed 19-4 after six minutes.

After finishing the first quarter 26-13 ahead, Siggiewi coach Alex Farrugia sent on his reserve players. This allowed Qormi to share the exchanges but they were still 41-28 behind at the interval.

Siggiewi raised their game after the break to dictate matters against a fading Qormi side.

Qormi: W. Griscti 14, A. Grech 8, K. Scicluna 2, A. Camilleri, S. Farrugia, R. Formosa, J. Dalli 7, R. Baldacchino, C. Bugeja, S. Cauchi 6, A. Baldacchino 12.

Siggiewi: A. Spiteri 6, L. Camilleri 4, D. Camilleri 6, J. Doughty, A. Portelli 15, J.P. Azzopardi 12, L. Grech, J.P. Bonnici 10, A. Bonnici 8, M. Shoults 8, A. Huizer 12, E. Xuereb 1.

Refs: B. Vassallo, E. Mangani , A. Carbonaro.

Floriana 40
Pembroke SW 96
(8-25, 12-21, 13-20, 7-30)

This result gives a clear picture of Pembroke SW. Floriana had Clint Griscti making his debut but, once again, they depended heavily on veteran Don Ross to score points.

Pembroke made a bright start, going 25-3 ahead by the eighth minute. Floriana improved but Pembroke stayed in control to increase their lead to 46-20 at half-time.

Although the Wanderers drafted in some youngsters in the third quarter, Floriana failed to take advantage. Pembroke led 66-33 at the start of the last quarter.

Pembroke dominated the last session to extend their winning margin.

Floriana: R. Spiteri, N. Falzon 2, J. Paris 2, B. Grech 3, B. Portelli, C. Griscti 2, V. Taborov, B. Riolo 2, C. Gilson 4, R. Mifsud 5, E. Gauci Grech, D. Ross 20.

Pembroke: M. Naudi 16, J. Zammit 9, C. Calleja 8, E. Bezzina 11, T. Riolo 3, O. Said 15, A. Micallef 5, D. Cuschieri 6, K. Baldacchino 8, S. Cassar 15.

Refs: G. Barbara, E. Mangani, A. Carbonaro.

Standings: Siggiewi (3-0) 6; Luxol (2-1) 5, Sliema (2-1) 5; Depiro (1-2) 4, Floriana (1-2) 4; Qormi ( 0-3) 3.

Top scorers: M. Naudi (Pembroke) 64, S. Schembri (Luxol) 56, D. Ross (Floriana) 53, D. Schembri (Luxol) 47, R. Vella (Depiro) 43.

Next fixtures: Friday, Jan. 5 - 7.45 p.m. Pembroke SW vs Qormi KIA. Saturday, Jan. 6 - 4.15 p.m. Depiro vs Floriana. Sunday, Jan. 7 - 4.15 p.m. Siggiewi Smina vs BUPA Luxol.

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