Compleet IS nearer to final play-off

Compleet IS 70
Siggiewi Smina 60
(26-16, 10-16, 19-18, 15-10)

Both teams required a victory from this match to maintain their chances in the Championship Pool. In the end, it was Compleet IS who showed better qualities and team-play to move closer to a berth in the final play-off against BUPA Luxol.

The two coaches presented their best formation as Siggiewi had forward David Camilleri back after a long lay-off while Compleet had Michael Naudi and strong rebounder Matthew Zammit again in their squad.

Compleet IS had a bad showing in the second quarter but their opponents failed to profit from the situation and lost innumerable possessions, spurning various chances to draw closer to their opponents.

Siggiewi had a slow start as Compleet took command to open a 10-point lead at the end of the first quarter. Siggiewi pivot Addison Bonnici was taking on Compleet's tall players all by himself and the move certainly did not work for his team.

But, the introduction of David Camilleri saw Siggiewi play better and with Compleet committing several passing mistakes, they got back in the reckoning even though Compleet held on to a slight 36-32 lead at half-time.

Siggiewi's recovery continued. However, after taking the lead through their best player Abraham Portelli, 49-46, a technical foul was called on Peter Shoults for passing remarks towards the referee. This gave renewed energy to Compleet who started the last ten minutes 55-50 ahead.

Siggiewi were unable to close the gap allowing Compleet to tighten their grip on the match.

Compleet IS: M. Naudi 13, J. Zammit, C. Calleja, E. Bezzina 8, J. Galea, T. Riolo 4, O. Said 25, A. Micallef 5, M. Zammit 2, K. Baldacchino 7, S. Cassar 6, R. Mifsud.

Siggiewi: L. Camilleri 12, D. Camilleri 17, J. Doughty, A. Portelli 18, I. Mercieca, P. Shoults 3, J.P. Bonnici 6, A. Bonnici 4, J.P. Antoncich, B. Zammit.

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

Mellieha SVS 64
Floriana 44
(10-11, 22-11, 13-7, 19-15)

Mellieha: J. Naudi 10, J. Jetsen 15, S. Aquilina, E. Xuereb 4, M. Cauchi 2, J. Aquilina , C. Sammut 10, M. Pisani 3, S. Sammut 16, R. Loporto 4.

Floriana: B. Riolo 2, A. Sultana 8, K. Azzopardi, S. Saakian 20, G. Gilson, M. Pajec, J. Tanti 5, K. Borg 9.

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

Championship Pool: Luxol 24 (12-0), Compleet 19 (8-4), Siggiewi 16 (6-6).

Top scorers: D. Matjevic (Luxol) 255, D. Schembri (Luxol) 192, S. Schembri (Luxol) 171.

Relegation Pool: Mellieha 17 (5-7); Depiro 14 (4-8); Floriana 12 (1-11).

Top scorers: R. Vella (Depiro) 207, S. Saakian (Floriana 199), S. Sammut (Mellieha) 169.

BOV KO final (Sunday): 4.15 p.m. BUPA Luxol vs Depiro.