A-Z Electronics were in a class of their own in the cup semi-final against Starlites. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Athleta A-Z Electronics 90
Starlites 56

(25-14, 27-15, 22-8, 16-19)

As expected, BOV Cup holders Athleta made it to the title match at the expense of modest Starlites.

Athleta, with forward David Bugeja in splendid form, took control right from the outset and for Starlites it was the end.

After leading 25-14 at the end of the first quarter, Athleta’s advantage increased to 44-20 and then 52-29 at half-time.

With Starlites unable to lift their game, Athleta continued to dictate matters at will, starting the last ten minutes 74-37 ahead.

Starlites came more into the picture in the final ten minutes as Athleta lifted their foot off the pedal, also allowing some of their second-string players more time on court.

Athleta: M. Naudi 10, H. Soufain, D. Bugeja 23, C. Patus 19, M. Giusti, W. Spiteri 2, O. Said 19, S. Pace 2, C. Galea 2, S. Bischoff 5, D. Ross, S. Schembri 8.

Starlites: M. Todorovic 20, R. Loporto 10, R. Bonnici 10, A. Schembri, S. Bonnici 6, A. Cutajar, M. Vassallo, B. Soler 2, J. Zammit, G. Coleiro 8, J. Curmi.

Referees: G. Barbara, E. Mangani, C. Terribile.

PAVI Depiro 77
Royce Floriana 69

(23-14, 20-20, 14-17, 20-18)

Floriana failed to reach the final of the competition for a third successive year as they had to bow to Depiro who played without a foreigner after parting with Turrel Morris.

Morris’s replacement, Matthew Adekponya, was unavailable as the Australian’s documents were not registered in time.

Floriana confirmed their unhappy moment as their defence again left much to be desired, wondering why coach Christof Stolp opted not to change tactics.

With their fast passing and flowing movement, Depiro found ample shooting space besides dominating in the zone. They practically led from start to finish.

In fact, Floriana only enjoyed an advantage in the opening minutes. But then Depiro took control and a 9-2 break opened the way for their victory.

After a time-out Floriana started to play better but Depiro held a 43-34 lead at the half-time break.

Floriana potted three consecutive baskets after the break but Depiro coach Mario Tabone immediately called for a time-out and his team looked more solid, starting the last ten minutes with an eight-point lead – 59-51.

The Greens doubled their efforts as the last quarter got underway, but Depiro were brimming with confidence despite Stolp’s team edging to within four points, 72-68.

In the last minutes, Depiro playmaker Roderick Vella kept possession and sank crucial free-throws to lead his team through to the final.

Depiro: R. Vella 16, N. Sultana 4, A. Aquilina 19, A. Portelli 8, S. Bartolo 15, A. Axiaq 9, E. Lupo 2, I. Tanti 4, M. Agius.

Floriana: O. Shamala, D. Elston 28, D. Camilleri 4, P. Shoults 10, B. Zammit, C. Calleja 9, D. Schembri 13, S. Saakian, D. Agius 5.

Referees: E. Mangani, C. Terribile, T. Helenius.

Next fixtures
BOV Men’s League: Saturday, 16.30 Starlites vs Floriana. Sunday, 13.00 Siġġiewi vs Depiro, 14.45 Athleta vs Luxol.