Starlites became the fourth team to advance to the semi-finals of the St James Hospital Shield after Siġġiewi ReMax went down to Athleta A to Z Electronics. Floriana Royce edged out Bupa Luxol to finish on top of Group A.

Athleta’s Michael Naudi (right) charges clear during his side’s 73-44 win over Siġġiewi. Photo: Matthew MirabelliAthleta’s Michael Naudi (right) charges clear during his side’s 73-44 win over Siġġiewi. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Bupa Luxol 75
Floriana Royce 76

(17-20, 19-22, 10-19, 29-15)

In an exciting game, Luxol’s desperate efforts in the closing stages just failed to tilt the tie in their favour after Floriana looked in control with five minutes left.

With both foreigners in good shooting form, the spectators were treated to an entertaining contest.

After Floriana took a six-point lead, 8-2, Luxol, with Michael Myers Keitt scoring their opening 14 points, recovered to level at 10-all.

Baskets by Dirk Schembri and Derek Elston allowed Floriana to regain an eight-point lead, 20-12, only for Luxol to reduce the gap to 20-17 by the end of the first quarter.

Luxol were a point behind after nailing the opening basket of the second quarter.

Floriana responded with 10 consecutive points to lead 30-19. Following a time-out and substitutions, Luxol surpassed this difficult moment to narrow the deficit and change ends 42-36 behind.

After a balanced start to the third session, Floriana took advantage of Luxol’s erratic shooting to enjoy a 14-4 break and start the last 10 minutes 61-46 ahead.

At this point, Luxol started to press full court. Floriana lost their confidence as missed balls and hurried shots boosted Luxol’s comeback efforts.

Fluffed free-throws did not help Floriana’s cause as Luxol suddenly found their shooting touch from the three-point zone.

Luxol moved to within a basket of Floriana, 74-72, with less than 20 seconds remaining.

Peter Shoults did not miss his free-throws and a Myers Keitt three-pointer reduced Luxol’s deficit to one point with three seconds left but it was too late as Floriana held on.

Luxol: C.J. Cordina 8, M. Mercieca 2, A. Micallef 6, A. Micallef Trigona, C. Cassar, J.P. Schembri 3, N. Vasovic 9, T. Paris, M. Myers Keitt 45, J. Willoughby, J.P. Bonnici, S. Capello 2.

Floriana: O. Shamala, D. Elston 33, D. Camilleri 6, P. Shoults 5, S. Borg 12, J. Cini, C. Calleja, D. Schembri 20, S. Saakian, D. Agius.

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

Siġġiewi Remax 44
Athleta A-Z Electronics 73

(11-24, 8-11, 11-20, 14-18)

Siġġiewi had to win to keep their slim semi-final hopes alive but they never managed to trouble Athleta.

Siġġiewi look to have been badly affected by the rule obliging teams to have an U-23 player on court at any given time.

Athleta started strongly, never allowing Siġġiewi to settle down. After forging 10-4 ahead, Athleta went on to end the first quarter leading 24-11.

Although Siġġiewi improved in the second session, they still struggled to match Athleta who controlled the proceedings to change ends 35-19 in front.

As Siġġiewi were unable to raise their game after the interval, Athleta were hardly troubled in the remaining two sessions to cruise to an emphatic 73-44 win.

Siġġiewi: G. Coleiro 3, A. Debattista, S. Sammut 9, C. Sammut 2, S. Mamo, L. Camilleri, A. Borg 8, L. Ross 4, J.P. Antoncich, N. Falzon, C. Kodemaris 14, M. Matijevic 4.

Athleta: M. Naudi 20, H. Soufian, D. Bugeja 4, C. Patus 31, M. Giusti, W. Spiteri, O. Said 13, S. Pace, B. Bartolo, S. Schembri 5.

Referees: E. Mangani, S. Gouder, L. Camilleri.

Starlites and Athleta reach semi-finals

Starlites Sports Experience followed their male counterparts into the semi-finals of the women’s St James Hospital Shield thanks to Cafe Moak Luxol’s win against Hibs.

Honey Athleta had previously joined Pavi Depiro and Luxol in the last four after defeating Phoenix Petrus Loyola.

As expected, Athleta found little resistance from Phoenix who didn’t have a foreign player in their team.

After a slow start, Athleta, under coach Ruth Spiteri, increased their tempo. Leading 17-4 at the end of the first quarter, Athleta went on to change ends 32-12 ahead.

With Phoenix unable to make a reaction, Athleta ran out comfortable 76-24 winners.

Luxol were never challenged by a young Hibs side who had the disadvantage of playing without a foreigner.

Luxol took command from the jumpball, ending the first quarter 24-9 ahead. They continued to impose their superiority on the game to change ends 41-18 ahead.

Although Hibs improved after the interval, Luxol easily administered their advantage until the final buzzer to complete a 74-45 victory.

Next fixtures
St James Hospital Shield (men) semi-finals: Sunday 13.00 Athleta vs Luxol; 16.30 Floriana vs Starlites.
St James Hospital Shield (women) semi-finals: Sunday 11.15 Depiro vs Starlites; 14.45 Luxol vs Athleta.

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