Super Cup joy for Athleta and Luxol girls
High score in men's final - 102-91
The two Malta Basketball Association Super Cup contests, for men and women, were played yesterday at an icy-cold pavilion in Ta' Qali.
The weather conditions did not help to attract big crowds but those present did not regret making it to the venue where two keen matches produced lots of open play and entertainment.
In the end, Athleta Compleet IS prevailed in a high-scoring men's final against BUPA Luxol while the Luxol girls fought bravely to clinch their second title of the season at the expense of Hibs Medsea.
Athleta beat BUPA 102-91, a scoreline more associated with a final outcome from a FIBA championship or the NBA rather than a low-key competition from the Maltese game.
This was indeed one of the best matches at Ta' Qali for several months and a good advert for the local game, thanks mainly to the effort put in by the two long-time basketball rivals.
Athleta, who held a slight edge at half-time (52-51), again relied on the shooting prowess of Michael Naudi who finished with 35 points. With both sides averaging high shooting percentages, the score before the final quarter was 72-all.
Luxol held the upperhand as the decisive session got underway but Athleta came roaring back to cancel a five-point deficit and secure victory over valid opponents.
The women's Super Cup was another high-scoring affair.
The favourites were Hibs but Luxol never yielded an inch. They led 34-32 at half-time but Hibs started the last quarter five points in front (55-50).
Beverley Zammit's shooting was almost impeccable yesterday. Late in the match, the Luxol playmaker sunk a series of three-pointers that left Hibs stunned and paved the way for her team's victory - 74-63.
This was Luxol's second honour of the season following the women's MBA Shield which they won after beating Depiro in the final.
The Luxol girls proudly display the Super Cup, yesterday. Photo: Jason Borg.