Joe Galea’s Athleta A-Z Electronics made it two MBA Shield successes in a row yesterday after beating Depiro 78-57 in the final at the Ta’ Qali Pavilion.

Depiro were already facing a huge challenge to beat Athleta and their task was made even more difficult near the end of the first quarter when US points-getter Shawn Morgan had to retire with injury.

However, Depiro never threw in the towel and kept their opponents in sight for most of the match until Athleta pressed the accelerator to make victory more pronounced.

At half-time, Athleta led 40-32 and midway through the fourth session the spirited Depiro only trailed by six points – 59-53.

But Depiro were unable to keep their challenge going for long and with Marko Todorovic potting regular baskets for Athleta (he was the match top-scorer with 28 points), Athleta went on to seal victory.

This was the second major title for Athleta this season. Last month, they won the Super Cup after beating BUPA Luxol 67-56 in the final to start the 2012-13 campaign on a positive note.