Athleta prevail again

Athleta A-Z Electronics 102
Siġġiewi 99
(Two legs – 57-41, 45-58)

Athleta maintained their perfect record in this season’s competitions as they defeated holders Siġġiewi 102-99 over two legs to clinch the Louis Borg Cup.

Trailing 57-41 after the first leg, Siġġiewi made a good comeback yesterday but their efforts fell short.

In the opening leg, Siġġiewi made the better start to go 7-2 ahead. Gradually, Athleta recovered as Siġġiewi had Alan Borg dismissed for two anti-sporting fouls. Siġġiewi’s momentum was further disrupted by two technical fouls. Athleta converted the free-throws to end the first quarter 22-9 in front.

Siġġiewi hit back in the second session but this was not enough as Athleta stayed ahead, 33-21, at half-time. Play became erratic but three-pointers kept Athleta on top, 43-29, before the final 10 minutes.

Siġġiewi’s confused efforts made life easy for Athleta who won the first leg 57-41.

Siġġiewi were a transformed side for the second match. Their aggressive start troubled Athleta as Siġġiewi ended the first quarter 20-6 in front.

Not for the first time, Siġġiewi grew erratic as Athleta shared the exchanges till half-time, 31-18, with Siġġiewi three points away on aggregate. In the final minutes of the third session, Athleta narrowed the gap to nine points, 43-34.

Siġġiewi did not give up but Athleta put away a series of free-throws to hold on to their aggregate lead.

Athleta: M. Naudi 18, D. Bugeja, A. Fakete 2, D. Schembri 15, M. Giusti, O. Said 28, E. Bezzina, A. Bonnici 17, M. Kawaid 16, K. Baldacchino 6, I. Buldakov.

Siġġiewi: R. Agius, L. Camilleri 13, D. Shoults 10, E. Xuereb 2, N. Sultana 7, A. Borg 4, C. Maeir 26, C. Kodomaris 5, M. Matijevic 32, K. Borg.