Athleta and Floriana start with a win

Athleta A-Z Electronics 62
Siġġiewi 59
(12-16, 23-17, 12-20, 15-6)

Athleta came from behind in the last quarter to beat Siġġiewi and move a step closer to the final. It was a worthy match in this best-of-three semi-final series that kept the spectactors on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

Siġġiewi have only themselves to blame for losing this match as in the last five minutes they lowered their guard consider-ably.

With Chris Meier very much in evidence, Siġġiewi had the better start but in the second session Athleta captain Michael Naudi and Steve Schembri rallied their team’s charge and the champions were soon 32-27 ahead.

Siġġiewi came back in the last four minutes to reduce the gap to a single basket (35-33) before half-time. Then, they held the upperhand and forged ahead 53-47 before the last ten minutes got underway.

Athleta were more aggressive in the last quarter and the 2-1-2 zone they adopted had their opponents in difficulty.

With three minutes to go Athleta took the lead (59-57) and they never looked back as Siġġiewi lost their plot, unable to add more points despite enjoying possession twice in the last minute.

Athleta: M. Naudi 17, I. Baldakov, D. Bugeja, M. Todorovic 13, M. Giusti, S. Schembri 9, O. Said 10, D. Schembri 2, A. Bonnici 9, K. Baldacchino 2.

Siġġiewi: R. Agius, L. Camilleri 9, P. Shoults 8, E. Xuereb 4, A. Borg 8, K. Borg, C. Meier 19, C. Kodomaris, M. Matijevic 11.

Referees: G. Barbara, A. Carbonaro, L. Camilleri.

Floriana Fran. Fenech 74
Depiro 67
(16-10, 16-23, 25-19, 17-15)

Floriana put aside their upset to Luxol in the KO final to beat Depiro in a thrilling match.

Depiro’s last efforts nearly paid off but somehow Floriana held on before four consecutive free-throws by Evan Fjeld sealed their victory.

Contrary to their last few outings, Floriana looked steady at the start and with playmaker Chris Sammut focused on his game, they went 10-2 up.

After a time-out, Depiro looked better and with Greg Hamlin more active underneath the boards, they surprised Floriana with ten consecutive points to lead 20-16.

Floriana halted the rot but seven points in succession saw Depiro 33-26 ahead only for Paul Ferrante’s team to come back and change ends a point behind, 33-32.

The match continued with two referees after the interval as Bernard Vassallo sustained an injury and he had to retire.

Depiro emerged better from the break to open a 42-36 lead. But Floriana recovered in style to start the last ten minutes 57-52 ahead.

They extended that lead to 67-55 when Depiro coach Mario Tabone opted for a time-out and pressed full court.

The move surprised Floriana who gave away precious possession allowing Depiro to move to within a basket (67-65) with less than two minutes left.

Floriana took a time-out and the partial break left the desired effect as they overcame a difficult moment and made sure of victory from the free-throw line.

Floriana: J. Curmi, C. Sammut 22, I. Mercieca 7, S. Sammut 2, C. Calleja 7, A. Baldacchino, E. Fjeld 34, A. Sultana 2, M. Ciantar.

Depiro: R. Vella 9, J.P. Schembri, N. Sultana 9, A. Aquilina 8, A. Portelli 3, A. Micallef 14, E. Lupo, M. Mallia, I. Tanti 4, G. Hamlin 20.

Referees: B. Vassallo, E. Mangani, S. Gouder.

Next fixtures
SF play-offs (game 2): Saturday, 15.30 Depiro vs Floriana. Sunday, 14.45 Siġġiewi vs Athleta.