Siġġiewi just manage to hold off Luxol's bold fightback

BUPA Luxol 62
Siġġiewi Kent Boringer 64
(15-19, 10-17, 15-21, 22-7)

As was the case in their match against Depiro, Siġġiewi held on to victory by the skin of their teeth after almost surrendering a 17-point lead in the final quarter.

Luxol, who were without pivot Andrew Cremona, had possession and could have forced extra-time but Alan Borg incredibly missed an easy chance with four seconds left.

Luxol had been the first team to settle down and sunk the opening two baskets.

Siġġiewi, who were hampered by the absence of playmaker Karl Borg and Marco Matijevic, both injured, improved and finished the first quarter strongly to move four points ahead, 19-15.

With Luxol being somewhat erratic in their play, Siġġiewi took advantage and potted nine consecutive points in the early minutes of the second session to extend their lead to 28-17.

John Tabone, the Luxol coach, called a time-out and this left the desired effect on his team who came through a difficult spell to share the exchanges until half-time.

Nevertheless, Siġġiewi changed ends 36-25 ahead and had the edge after opening what looked like a handsome 57-40 lead before the last 10 minutes got underway.

But, Luxol looked more determined as the final quarter began.

Encouraged by Siġġiewi's drop in concentration, Tabone's men gained in confidence to narrow the gap significantly. In fact, Siġġiewi took six minutes to score their first points of the final session.

The last minutes were nailbiting. Siġġiewi still looked strong to preserve their slender lead but a couple of mistakes allowed Luxol to have the last attempt. However, to the relief of Siġġiewi, Borg squandered the chance to level matters for his team.

Luxol: A. Micallef Trigona, M. Mercieca 8, R. Azzopardi 7, A. Spiteri 2, A. Borg 11, A. Portelli, N. Vasovic, T. Paris, D. Schembri 11, J.P. Bonnici 2, S. Schembri 21.

Siġġiewi: P. Shoults 11, J.P. Antoncich, L. Camilleri 5, E. Xuereb, A. Tabone 8, A. Micallef 14, L. Ross 9, A. Costa 3, J. Jetsen 14.

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

Standings: Siġġiewi 12 (5-2); Athleta 11 (5-1); Luxol 9 (3-3); Depiro 7 (2-3); Loyola 6 (0-6).

Top scorers: M. Naudi (Athleta) 113; D. Schembri (Luxol) 112; O. Said (Athleta) 102.

League: Tomorrow 18.15 Siġġiewi vs Depiro; 19.45 Loyola vs Athleta.