Athleta stay on course

Siġġiewi 51
Athleta A-Z Electronics 60
(17-15, 16-10, 6-18, 12-17)

Athleta maintained their ambition of a clean sweep this season after eliminating Siġġiewi from the BOV KO last weekend.

Both sides had some players missing but Siġġiewi looked the more depleted without Nigel Sultana and Chris Kodomoris.

Athleta had Michael Naudi in unstoppable form, making up for the absence of Mohammed Kawaid.

Naudi potted half his team’s points but, strangely, Siġġiewi never bothered to do double marking on the Athleta captain who ran the show all by himself.

Indeed, Siġġiewi have only themselves to blame and one also cannot understand why Marco Matjevic was pushed forward after the break allowing Athleta to dominate in the zone and launch fast breaks.

After a slow start, Siġġiewi did manage to up their game and lead at the end of the first quarter – 17-15.

They continued to be the better team as the second session got underway as Athleta looked unable to conclude their attacks.

But, as happened so often this season, Siġġiewi then started to opt for hurried shots allowing their opponents to surpass a difficult moment and share the exchanges until half-time – 33-25.

Athleta’s defence after the break was aggressive and very effective.

Siġġiewi were now a confused lot and could not find a way through as their attacks were slow and easily dealt with by Athleta.

No surprise then that Naudi led Athleta to a 36-33 lead.

Siġġiewi did hang on for most of the last part of the quarter but with Matjevic so erratic from the distance, they never managed to regain the lead.

Athleta play Luxol in the semi-finals.

Siġġiewi: R. Agius, L. Camilleri 4, P. Shoults 11, E. Xuereb 2, A. Borg 6, K. Borg 1, C. Maeir 16, M. Matjevic 11.

Athleta: M. Naudi 33, D. Bugeja, A. Fakete 8, D. Schembri 3, M. Giusti, O. Said 7, A. Bonnici 5, K. Baldacchino 4.

Referees: A. Carbonaro, E. Mangani, C. Terribile.

Depiro Mtarfa 64
Loyola Tata Motors 50
(14-14, 17-13, 17-10, 16-13)

Loyola never had a reply to Depiro’s better organised play in attack. Besides, Loyola again faltered badly after the interval, paving the way for Depiro to reach the next round.

The first quarter was a balanced affair with neither side imposing their play. Then, with American Greg Hamlin coming more into the picture, Depiro opened a slight lead which they preserved until half-time – 31-27.

Emmanuel Lupo suddenly found his touch underneath the boards and along with the fast play of Roderick Vella, Depiro were able to increase their lead as the third got underway – 43-31.

Raschanti Harris was doing a good job as a playmaker and forward but Loyola still continued to misfire badly, allowing Depiro to maintain their lead for the final ten minutes – 48-37.

Loyola were never in it as Depiro controlled without difficulty to book their place in the semis.

Depiro: R. Vella 19, J.P. Schembri 2, A. Aquilina 5, A. Portelli, A. Micallef 4, E. Lupo 5, M. Mallia, I. Tanti 11, G. Hamlin 18.

Loyola: S. Pace, B. Zammit 2, D. Camilleri 12, S. Borg, L. Azzopardi, S. Vella, A. Axiaq 8, J. Anastasi, J. Ransley 2, R. Harris 26.

Referees: B. Vassallo, E. Mangani, C. Terribile.

BOV KO SFs
Saturday, 15.30 – Depiro vs Floriana.
Sunday, 16.30 – Athleta vs Luxol.