Underdogs prevail

The two teams from the Luxol fold had good reason to be happy yesterday as both sides defied the odds to lift the MBA Shield at the end of the men's and women's finals.

In the men's contest, BUPA Luxol had Schembri brothers Dirk and Steve missing but they were still good enough to hold on to a slim, but significant, victory over Compleet IS SW to claim the honour.

Luxol led 29-27 at half-time. Compleet nosed ahead when play resumed but Luxol hit a fine patch near the end of the third quarter and continued to play better at the fourth to open a 17-point lead.

Compleet came back strongly though and had the chance to force extra time but Luxol held composure to hand their rivals their first upset of the season.

Hibs Medsea were also favourites to win the women's final yesterday but Ergon Projects Luxol had other ideas and stunned their opponents in a low-scoring affair which went their way 36-30.

Luxol trailed 18-20 at half-time but they were more accurate from the free-throw line as Mandy Sciortino led her team's charge with 11 points.

Hibs, unbeaten before this match, were erratic in their shooting and struggled to find a way through the solid Luxol defence.