Depiro Pavi 66
Athleta A-Z Electronics 69

(18-17, 15-23, 20-17, 13-12)

A Kristin Baldacchino three-pointer in the dying seconds helped Athleta win a difficult match and claim sole leadership in the standings.

Athleta had David Bugeja back in squad but playmaker Shaun Pace missed out through suspension.

Depiro played without forward Adrian Micallef and Nigel Sultana.

They started better and opened a 24-19 lead as the second quarter got underway.

Bugeja was introduced by coach Joe Galea and Athleta’s play improved to such an extent that by half-time they led 40-33.

Depiro fought hard after the break and shot into the lead (66-64) midway through the last session.

But Omar Said, who had a rather quiet game in attack, levelled and Baldacchino’s shot from outside the arc danced around the ring before dropping in (69-66).

Depiro had one last opportunity but Andrew Aquilina’s three-point effort was slightly out of range for Athleta to secure a very useful victory.

Depiro: R. Vella 4, K. Kunn, A. Aquilina 6, A. Portelli 2, D. Agius 2, E. Lupo 2, M. Mallia, I. Tanti 15, S. Morgan 35.

Athleta: M. Krasker, D. Bugeja 14, M. Todorovic 23, M. Giusti 5, O. Said 5, S. Hagul, W. Spiteri, K. Baldacchino 11, S. Schembri 11.

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

Siġġiewi 70
BUPA Luxol 92

(17-31, 20-17, 20-27, 13-17)

With Nicola Vasovic rediscovering his early-season form, Luxol shrugged aside Siġġiewi’s challenge for the latter to lose the pace at the top.

Siġġiewi coach Peter Farrugia had some key players missing as Luxol played more confidently in defence allowing their former player Marco Matijevic little space to manoeuvre.

Three consecutive Jean Paul Bonnici three-pointers opened the way for Luxol’s victory.

As Luxol grew in confidence, Siġġiewi were a disorganised lot and in the opening minutes of the second session they trailed 24-43.

Siġġiewi showed signs of a revival but passing errors and distraction in defence saw Luxol changing ends 48-37 in front.

Midway through the third quarter, Farrugia’s team had another good moment but once again they were undone by a series of unforced errors.

Luxol took advantage to re-open a handsome lead which they administered without trouble.

Siġġiewi: P. Shoults 15, C. Agius 5, A. Borg 14, C. Meier 23, A. Fekete 4, M. Matijevic 9.

Luxol: J.P. Cordina 4, M. Mercieca 4, E. Bonello, J. Willoughby, S. Shackleford 32, J.P. Schembri 12, N. Vasovic 28, T. Paris, A. Micallef Trigona, J.P. Bonnici 12, S. Capello.

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

Loyola Tata Motors 47
Floriana Fran. Fenech 106

(13-25, 18-32, 6-23, 10-26)

As the scoreline clearly shows this was one-way traffic with wooden spoonists Loyola never in the match and miles behind their opponents.

Both teams changed foreigners over the festive season with Matt Glass now donning the Greens’ jersey and playmaker Dominic Mazzocchi making his Loyola debut.

Chris Sammut was in fine form and Floriana easily unlocked Loyola’s defence to lead 57-31 at the half-time break.

When Mazzocchi committed his fifth foul, Loyola’s problems increased and Floriana went on to start the last ten minutes 80-37 ahead. They surpassed the 100-point mark with two minutes left even though they had most of their fringe players on court.

Loyola: I. Baldakov 3, B. Zammit 3, A. Sarrio, C. Cassar 5, S. Borg 3, L. Azzopardi, S. Vella, A. Axiaq 11, J.P. Azzopardi 2, V. Nikolac, J. Ransley 4, D. Mazzocchi 16.

Floriana: B. Scott Camilleri 10, A. Baldacchino 2, D. Camilleri 8, M. Glass 26, C. Sammut 19, I. Mercieca 11, C. Calleja 4, D. Schembri 15, M. Ciantar, S. Saakian 11.

Referees: E. Mangani, A. Carbo-naro, J. Abaneg.

Standings
Athleta 9 (4-1), Luxol 8 (3-2), Floriana 8 (3-2), Siġġiewi 8 (3-2), Depiro 7 (2-3), Loyola 5 (0-5).

Top scorers
S. Shackleford (Luxol) 167, S. Morgan (Depiro) 140, M. Todorovic (Athleta) 107.

Next fixtures
Louis Borg Cup final: (Saturday, first leg) 16.30 Athleta vs Depiro. (Sunday, 2nd leg) 16.30 Depiro vs Athleta.

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