BUPA Luxol 61

Siġġiewi 75

(17-14, 20-23, 16-17, 8-21)

In this direct clash for the last available place in the play-offs, Luxol lost their plot in the last quarter to hand Siġġiewi victory.

Again, Luxol’s US player Stephen Shackleford did not finish the match, committing his fifth foul in attack with more than four minutes left. Pivot Jean Paul Bonnici was back for Luxol after skipping the previous match.

The importance of the game left its effect with both teams showing signs of edginess in their play. Siġġiewi, however, had Marco Matijevic playing a blinder against his former team.

After a testing period from both teams, eight consecutive points saw Luxol 14-8 ahead. They had the better start to the second session but Siġġiewi came back to level matters at 37-all at half-time.

Luxol opened a 48-42 lead midway through the third session. However, they were unable to build on that advantage and Siġġiewi again hit back strongly to edge ahead 54-53 as Shackleford was handed a technical foul for protests.

The last quarter started with Alan Borg potting two free-throws and Luxol replying back to regain the lead – 59-56. Tension gripped both ends of the court with lost possessions and erratic shooting as Shackleford was ejected for five fouls.

With four minutes to go, Luxol were 61-60 ahead but that was the last time they enjoyed the lead.

Most of their players cracked under the pressure as Siġġiewi grew in stature to seal an important win.

Luxol: J.C. Cordina 8, M. Mercieca 9, A. Micallef 2, J. Willoughby, S. Shackleford 27, J.P. Schembri, N. Vasovic 10, T. Paris, E. Bonello, J.P. Bonnici 5, S. Capello.

Siġġiewi: N. Falzon, P. Shoults 9, E. Xuereb 12, C. Agius, A. Borg 10, D. Ross, C. Meier 17, A. Fekete 5, M. Matijevic 22.

Referees: G. Barbara, E. Mangani , S. Gouder.

Floriana Francesco Fenech 84

Loyola Tata Motors 47

(20-17, 22-6, 23-9, 19-15)

Floriana got the victory they needed to top the table at the end of the first phase.

Loyola had pivot Anton Axiaq back but after a good first quarter they faded away, allowing Floriana, who had Bevan Scott Camilleri and Matt Glass in fine form, to open a comfortable lead for their eighth victory.

Loyola produced their best in the opening session but Floriana soon clicked into gear to change ends 42-23 in front.

There was only one team in it in the third quarter as Loyola looked a spent force.

With the Greens introducing most of their substitutes, the fourth quarter was played on an even keel but Floriana still emerged on top for a clear-cut win.

Floriana: A. Baldacchino 3, B. Scott Camilleri 21, D. Camilleri 3, M. Glass 24, I. Mercieca, C. Sammut 8, C. Calleja, D. Schembri 15, S. Saakian 10.

Loyola: B. Zammit 8, A. Sarrio 1, C. Cassar , S. Borg 12, L. Azzopardi, S. Vella 2, A. Axiaq 14, D. Mazzocchi 10.

Referees: E. Mangani, S. Gouder, J. Abeng.

PAVI Depiro 73

Athleta A-Z Electronics 71

(13-22, 28-9, 16-19, 16-21)

With Floriana already sure of first place, this match lost much of its interest.

Depiro had forward Nigel Sultana back after a long absence while Athleta were without two of their best shooters – Steve Schembri and David Bugeja – but had Etienne Bezzina available.

Athleta raced ahead 14-4 and continued to show the better ideas until a couple of substitutions midway through the second session halted their stride.

Depiro profited fully to obtain a 19-1 break and forge ahead 32-23. Athleta regrouped but still trailed 41-31 at half-time.

Hard as they tried, Athleta could not close the gap and it was Depiro who extended their lead to 55-39.

However, Joe Galea’s men then had a strong response to start the last quarter 57-50 behind.

Athleta continued to recover ground but in the end Depiro held on to preserve a hard-earned win.

Depiro: R. Vella 1, N. Sultana 4, K. Kuns 11, A. Aquilina 2, A. Portelli 4, D. Agius 4, E. Lupo, M. Mallia 4, I. Tanti 20, S. Morgan 23.

Athleta: S. Hagul, M. Todorovic 16, M. Giusti 2, E. Bezzina 10, O. Said 17, S. Pace 8, W. Spiteri 2, K. Baldacchino 14, S. Bichoff 2.

Referees: E. Mangani, C. Terribile, J. Abeng.

Standings: Floriana 18 (8-2), Athleta 17 (7-3), Depiro 16 (6-4), Siggiewi 15 (5-5), Luxol 13 (3-7), Loyola 11 (1-9).

Top scorers: S. Shackleford (Luxol) 308, S. Morgan (Depiro) 273, M. Todorovic (Athleta) 197, C. Meier (Siġġiewi) 187, N. Vasovic (Luxol) 167.

Next fixtures: (Friday) SFs, game one – 18.15 Floriana vs Siġġiewi, 20.00 Athleta vs Depiro.