After tasting success in the Super Cup and St James Hospital Shield, Athleta A to Z Electronics captured their third honour of the season. They had the better of PAVI Depiro, 68-59, in the BOV Knock-Out final at the Ta’ Qali Pavilion on Sunday.

Athleta A-Z Electronics 68
Pavi Depiro 59

(16-7, 17-19, 16-18, 19-15)

A brisk start paved the way for Athleta’s win as they led for most of the match, bar a short period in the early stages of the third quarter.

Athleta were the more organised side, turning the ball around better in attack besides having a superior shooting percentage.

Depiro paid the price for missing several chances underneath the board. They did try to unsettle the experienced Athleta through fast play but this tactic produced no tangible results.

With playmaker Omar Said in fine form, Athleta built a 9-3 lead. Gradually, Depiro improved to share the exchanges with Athleta who led 16-7 at the end of the first quarter.

Depiro maintained their momentum in the second quarter but after reducing the gap to five points, a decision to allow a dubious basket to stand, allowed Athleta to take advantage as they opened an 11-point lead, 33-22.

Depiro fought back to pot the last two baskets and change ends 33-26 behind.

As the third quarter got underway, Depiro found their rhythm, potting 10 consecutive points to go 36-33 ahead, the first time they had an advantage during the match.

A time-out helped to refocus Athleta’s minds as they scored nine consecutive points to regain the lead, 42-36.

Hard as they tried, Depiro could not wipe out the five-point deficit as they began the last 10 minutes 49-44 behind. Their hurried shots allowed Athleta to pull further clear and retain the BOV KO trophy.

Athleta: M. Naudi 18, D. Bugeja 4, C. Patus 18, C. Galea, W. Spiteri, O. Said 10, S. Pace 2, K. Baldacchino 2, S. Bischoff, S. Schembri 14.

Depiro: R. Vella 14, M. Adekponya 13, N. Sultana 8, A. Aquilina, A. Portelli 6, S. Bartolo 6, A. Axiaq 10, E. Lupo, I. Tanti 2, M. Agius.

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

Next fixtures
BOV League: Saturday − 16.30 Siġġiewi vs Athleta. Sunday − 13.00 Starlites vs Depiro; 16.30 Floriana vs Luxol.

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