Unbeaten Athleta keep marching on

Athleta A to Z Electronics 91
Depiro Mtarfa 49
(21-21, 23-6, 31-10, 16-12)

Athleta maintained their excellent start to the season with a 91-49 demolition of Depiro.

Depiro enjoyed their best patch of the match in the opening session. Four three-pointers boosted their hopes as the team surged into a nine-point lead, 21-12.

Athleta coach Joe Galea called for a time-out and this decision clearly left the desired effect as in the final 90 seconds of the first quarter, they pulled level thanks to an Omar Said shot from outside the arch.

The pattern remained unchanged as the match restarted. Athleta retained the upperhand and Depiro suddenly could not come to terms with their opponents’ aggressive and mobile defence.

Depiro captain Roderick Vella nailed two free-throws after six minutes to stop Athleta’s run of 17 consecutive points. Still, Depiro were unable to raise their game as Galea’s men looked superior on court, going in for half-time 44-27 ahead.

Athleta were having a field day as they continued to score with ease to start the final 10 minutes 75-37 ahead.

The final quarter was a mere formality as Athleta eased off to allow Depiro to share the exchanges.

Athleta: M. Naudi 19, J. Zammit 2, D. Schembri 7, E. Bezzina 7, M. Giusti, C. Galea 2, O. Said 16, A. Bonnici 18, K. Baldacchino 9, S. Schembri 11.

Depiro: R. Vella 21, J.P. Schembri 2, D. Bugeja 11, A. Aquilina 3, J. Gatt 4, J. Camilleri, E. Lupo, M. Mallia 4, I. Tanti 4, G. Mercieca.

Referees: B. Vassallo, E. Mangani, A. Carbonaro.

Loyola Tata Motors 61
Siġġiewi Derby 69
(11-17, 9-12, 17-21, 24-19)

Weakened by the absence of several key players, champions Siġġiewi struggled against lowly Loyola.

Siġġiewi, with only seven players available, were surprised by their opponents’ auspicious start but they did little to help their cause by trying to play fancy stuff and committing no fewer than 28 turnovers.

Siġġiewi are far more efficient when they function as a team but for most of the match, they resorted to individual play.

Although the coach urged his players to turn the ball around, his men went for rushed conclusions in search of personal glory.

Loyola scored the opening five points in a slow start but Siġġiewi soon upped their game.

After potting their first point thanks to an Alan Borg free-throw, they pieced together a 12-2 break to lead 17-11 at the end of the first quarter.

With both sides contesting various referees’ decisions, the game remained scrappy but the champions held on to end the second session 29-20 ahead.

The quality of play improved slightly after the interval with Siġġiewi withstanding Loyola’s efforts to begin the final session 13 points in front, 50-37.

Loyola were a transformed team as the last 10 minutes got underway but Siġġiewi preserved their lead.

Then, when the champions lost playmaker Borg on five fouls, Loyola capitalised on their opponents’ slack defending to pull off two consecutive three-pointers.

However, there was little time left for Loyola to apply pressure on Siġġiewi who dug in for a 69-61 victory.

Loyola: S. Pace 9, B. Zammit 9, D. Camilleri 12, S. Borg, G. Cuschieri, M. Cilia, S. Vella, A. Axiaq 2, G. Mihajlovic 14, J. Anastasi 3, J. Ransley 2, A. Tabone 10.

Siġġiewi: P. Shoults 16, E. Xuereb, A. Borg 7, A. Micallef 25, K. Borg, J. Jetsen 2, M. Matijevic 19.

Referees: J.P. Sammut, E. Mangani, C. Terribile.

Standings: Athleta 8 (4-0); Siġġiewi 7 (3-1); Luxol 6 (2-2); Depiro 5 (1-3); Loyola 4 (0-4).

Top scorers: A. Micallef (Siġġiewi) 87; M. Naudi (Athleta) 84; R. Vella (Depiro) 76; O. Said (Athleta) 70; P. Apcev (Luxol) 67.