Depiro Mtarfa 63
Siġġiewi Derby 68
(10-14, 13-21, 20-15, 20-18)

Reigning champions Siġġiewi found it hard to overcome the absence of a host of players through injury and suspension as Depiro came close to causing an upset.

Siġġiewi had Peter Shoults to thank for their narrow win as his two consecutive three-pointers sank Depiro.

Depiro enjoyed the better start as their tall players seized control underneath the boards. Gradually, Siġġiewi recovered to take a four-point lead, 14-10, by the end of the first quarter.

After a balanced opening to the second session, 24-21, Siġġiewi made Depiro pay for a string of missed baskets to change ends 35-23 ahead.

Siġġiewi potted the first basket after half-time but thereafter struggled to cope with Depiro’s aggressiveness as the latter closed the gap to 42-39.

Siġġiewi made a reaction to start the last 10 minutes 50-43 ahead but Depiro again fought back with six consecutive points taking them to within four points of their opponents, 57-53.

At this stage, Siġġiewi coach Peter Farrugia called a time-out and showed his displeasure at the team’s attitude, especially that of foreigner Marco Matijevic.

Farrugia’s words had the desired effect as Siġġiewi nailed two consecutive three-pointers through Shoults to ease their nerves. Matijevic also regained his shooting touch and willingness to make his mark.

Depiro collapsed as they were on the receiving end of an 11-2 break which ended their hopes of springing a surprise.

Depiro: R. Vella 19, J.P. Schembri, D. Bugeja 11, R. Agius, A. Aquilina 10, S. Yuste 7, J. Gatt 2, E. Lupo 6, M. Mallia 2, I. Tanti 6, G. Mercieca.

Siġġiewi: P. Shoults 19, J. Doughty, E. Xuereb, A. Borg, A. Micallef 20, K. Borg, J. Jetsen 9, M. Matijevic 20.

Referees: B. Vassallo, A. Carbonaro, C. Terribile.

BUPA Luxol 78
Loyola Tata Motors 71
(18-19, 22-20, 19-13, 19-19)

In another keenly-contested game, Loyola had high optimism of obtaining their first victory as they stayed in touch with Luxol but Petar Apcev had other ideas as his two consecutive three-pointers in the last minute made the difference.

This match produced a staggering 25 three-pointers, 17 for Luxol and eight for Loyola.

It was Loyola who shaded the early exchanges to go 10-5 in front after five minutes. Luxol gradually improved and three-pointers by Apcev and captain Robert Micallef saw them 40-31 ahead with two minutes left for half-time.

After a time-out and substitutions, Loyola raised their game to score the last eight points before the interval, 40-39.

Luxol’s better start to the third quarter helped them open a 12-point lead, 53-41. Again Loyola battled back to trim the deficit to four points, 56-52, with Luxol opting to substitute Apcev after he committed his fourth foul.

The game was evenly-poised in the latter stages with Luxol coach John Tabone forced to re-introduce Apcev as David Camilleri’s three-pointer put Loyola 71-70 ahead.

Apcev made his presence felt as he reeled off two consecutive long-distance shots to see Luxol through.

Luxol: C.J. Cordina, M. Mercieca 4, R. Azzopardi 23, A. Micallef Trigona, P. Apcev 29, A. Costa 10, N. Vasovic 2, T. Paris, A. Cremona, E. Caruana Montaldo, J.P. Bonnici 10, S. Mizzi.

Loyola: S. Pace 11, B. Zammit 14, D. Camilleri 24, S. Borg, M. Cilia, S. Vella 3, A. Axiaq 5, G. Mihajlovic 7, J. Anastasi 3, A. Tabone 4.

Referees: G. Barbara, E. Mangani, A. Carbonaro.

Standings: Athleta 6 (3-0); Siġġiewi 5 (2-1); Luxol 6 (2-2); Depiro 4 (1-2); Loyola 3 (0-3).

Top scorers: P. Apcev (Luxol) 68; R. Azzopardi (Luxol) 67; M. Naudi (Athleta) 65; A. Micallef (Siġġiewi) 62; S. Schembri (Athleta) 55.