Floriana Francesco Fenech and champions Athleta A to Z Electronics made the first step towards contesting the title decider when they beat Siġġiewi and Pavi Depiro in the first match of the best-of-three semi-final.
Floriana 71
Siġġiewi 61
(18-13, 12-20, 15-14, 26-14)
Floriana maintained their positive run to close in on a place in the final.
The match was balanced with the lead changing hands several times. Siġġiewi hit their best patch in the second quarter but, for the umpteenth time, they lost the plot in the closing stages.
Both teams had a shaky start as they struggled to cope with the pressure. It was Floriana who built a slight lead which they controlled until the end of the quarter as Siġġiewi were having difficulty concluding their attacks.
With Serbian Marco Matijevic ineffective and top scorer Chris Meier inconsistent, Siġġiewi trailed 18-13 at the end of the first session.
They improved as the second session got underway. Siġġiewi were now defending better against Matt Glass and drew level 19-19 after three minutes.
After a time-out and substitution, Floriana recovered to go 27-23 in front but Siġġiewi regrouped to move 30-27 ahead after potting seven consecutive points, maintaining their three-point lead until the end of the quarter.
Floriana’s reaction failed to materialise as the third quarter began. Siġġiewi stayed in charge to stretch their lead to 43-33, but when Peter Shoults embarked on an individual move, he was dispossessed by Claudio Calleja and Floriana potted from the resultant break.
This episode bolstered Floriana who grew in confidence. They took advantage of Siġġiewi’s troubles to level at 45-all. It was Siġġiewi who began the last 10 minutes 47-45 in front.
Floriana, with Glass more in the picture, scored the opening eight points of the last quarter to go 53-47 ahead. After a time-out, Siġġiewi managed to close the gap to three points, 58-55, but Meier then fluffed an easy basket and his team missed five consecutive free-throws.
Floriana duly capitalised to seal the issue and strengthen their prospects of reaching the final.
Floriana: A. Baldacchino, B. Scott Camilleri 9, D. Camilleri 16, M. Glass 21, I. Mercieca, C. Sammut 9, C. Calleja 2, D. Schembri 14, S. Saakian.
Siġġiewi: N. Falzon, P. Shoults 9, E. Xuereb 6, C. Agius, A. Borg 6, C. Meier 26, A. Fekete, M. Matijevic 14.
Referees: G. Barbara, E. Mangani, S. Gouder.
Athleta 68
Depiro 64
(18-23, 13-13, 19-12, 18-16)
Reigning champions Athleta had to fight hard to overcome Depiro who had beaten them in the last three matches.
Athleta welcomed back Michael Naudi, who had been out for most of the season, and forward Etienne Bezzina. Shooters David Bugeja and Steve Schembri were also back in the fray after missing the last game.
Depiro fielded their usual formation.
It was Depiro who enjoyed the better start to take a 12-7 lead. A time-out and substitutions helped Athleta improve as they hit back to level, 12-all. After falling a basket behind, 16-14, Depiro dominated the last minutes to end the quarter 23-18 ahead.
Hard as they tried, Athleta could not put their noses in front with Depiro 31-25 ahead five minutes before half-time.
Depiro chalked up the next four points to extend their lead to 35-25 but the final minutes belonged to Athleta who reduced the gap to 36-31.
After a balanced start to the third quarter, Depiro, who led 43-37 in the fifth minute, were forced to substitute Shawn Morgan, injured, and Andrew Aquilina. With Naudi finding his touch, Athleta took advantage to start the last 10 minutes 50-48 ahead.
Seven minutes from the end, Morgan returned to help Depiro remain in touch. But Depiro suffered a setback when the American missed free-throws and a basket after driving between Athleta’s zone defence.
Despite losing Marco Todorovic, fouled out, Athleta managed to hold on to their slim lead.
Athleta: M. Naudi 11, D. Bugeja 11, M. Todorovic 21, M. Giusti, E. Bezzina, O. Said 4, S. Pace, W. Spiteri, K. Baldacchino 8, S. Bischoff, S. Schembri 13.
Depiro: R. Vella 14, K. Kuns, N. Sultana 8, A. Aquilina 3, A. Portelli 2, D. Agius 2, E. Lupo, M. Mallia, I. Tanti 7, S. Morgan 28.
Referees: G. Barbara, E. Mangani, C. Terribile.
Next fixtures: Sunday – BOV League semi-finals (game 2) 14.45 Depiro vs Athleta; 16.30 Siġġiewi vs Floriana.