Compleet IS SW force decider

Compleet IS SW 75
Bupa Luxol 65
(15-24, 21-6, 22-21, 17-14)

Compleet IS Sliema Wanderers, the reigning Gatorade League champions, won Sunday's second game from the men's championship final play-offs to draw the series at one-all and force a decider next Sunday.

This was a deserved victory for Compleet IS to keep the issue open as many had placed Luxol as the clear favourites to clinch title last weekend.

Luxol had a superb opening but failed to keep the good work going in the second session during which they performed badly. In all probably, that bad patch cost them the match despite trying hard to get back in the reckoning in the last 10 minutes before running out of energy.

Luxol's lack of mobility in defence was ably exploited by Compleet who had top scorer Michael Naudi in fine form, having the better of Steve Schembri.

Dirk Schembri and Robert Azzopardi were somewhat slow in their defensive play allowing Compleet to win rebounds and pot crucial baskets.

Both teams had an auspicious start in their shooting but then Compleet missed several scoring opportunities and Luxol hitting back strongly to lead 24-15 at the end of the first quarter.

Compleet IS coach Joe Galea inspired his team to lift their game in the second quarter as Luxol lost their rhythm. Slack marking allowed their opponents to take command and forge ahead in the dying minutes before half-time − 36-30.

During the interval, Luxol coach John Tabone's lecture must have left its desired effect on his players who regained their sharpness and a perfect Robert Azzopardi three-pointer saw them 47-45 ahead.

However, two lost possessions by Alan Borg were severely punished by Compleet who started the last ten minutes 58-51 ahead.

Luxol's recovery attempts were dealt with by Compleet.

Galea's men accelerated their game in the last five minutes to outsmart their opponents and force the decider.

Compleet IS
M. Naudi 28, I. Baldakov, M. Zammit 5, E. Bezzina 3, J. Galea, T. Riolo 2, O. Said 14, A. Micallef 13, K. Baldacchino 2, S. Cassar 8, R. Mifsud.

Luxol
R. Dalli, M. Mercieca, R. Azzopardi 8, M. Micallef, A. Borg 14, M. Bonnici, T. Paris, D. Schembri 16, E. Caruana Montaldo, M. Matijevic 18, S. Schembri 9.

Referees G. Barbara, E. Mangani, J.P. Sammut.

Floriana lose top-flight status

Floriana 50
Depiro 68
(13-16, 10-21, 8-16, 19-15)

Depiro retained their status in the top flight of men's basketball after beating Floriana who failed to perform as a team in this decisive match and handing the initiative to their opponents.

The opening session was balanced but Depiro pulled away in the last five minutes of the second quarter and never looked back.

Their fast play and ability to exploit Floriana's weaknesses, particularly underneath the boards, saw them through.

Gatorade League final (Game Three): Sunday, 4.15 p.m. BUPA Luxol vs Compleet IS.

Floriana
B. Riolo 5, J. Tanti 2, K. Azzopardi, S. Saakian 18, G. Gilson 13, A. Sultana 2, M. Pajec 2, K. Borg 8.

Depiro
R. Vella 23, D. Debono, M. Sammut, G. Muscat 4, A. Aquilina 2, A. Tabone, J. Gatt 12, E. Lupo 2, I. Tanti 23, D. Agius 2.

Referees B. Vassallo, A. Carbonaro, C. Terrible.