Athleta A-Z Electronics started their pre-season St James Hospital Shield commitments with a tight victory over Floriana Caffe Del Mar and in another match Virtus Cynergi continued to impress after beating Remax Siġġiewi.

Virtus Synergi continued with their fine early-season form after beating Remax Siġġiewi in the Shield. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Floriana Caffe Del Mar 74
Athleta A-Z Electronics 77

(12-18, 29-19, 18-17, 15-23)

Athleta’s never-say-die spirit came to the fore again last weekend as they beat Floriana 77-74 in an entertaining match at the Pavilion.

In the end, Floriana were made to pay for some careless play in defence. The constant substitutions of coach Christof Stolph did not help either as the Greens had an opportunity to force extra-time but missed their chance.

Floriana, with Christopher Montgomery probably not match-fit yet, led for most of the encounter but three minutes from time Omar Said struck with three successive three-pointers to put Athleta in the driving seat.

Though Chad Patus was not at his best, veterans Said and Michael Naudi were again in the spotlight, potting 54 points between them.

After a stuttering start, captain Naudi clicked Athleta into gear but Floriana had a bright start to the second quarter which helped them build a 29-20 lead after five minutes.

Stolph opted for changes and the Greens lost pace. Athleta had the chance to narrow the gap before half-time after Nikola Vasovic was slapped with a technical foul in his effort to stop Patus.

However, all three free-throws were missed and Floriana led 41-37 at the break.

The third quarter was shared but Athleta suffered a blow when they lost pivot Isaac Tanti after committing his fifth foul.

Floriana did not add to their lead and a tight finale was anticipated. Said then shot Athleta into the lead (71-68) as Floriana lost Montgomery (fouled out).

Athleta missed a couple of free-throws allowing Floriana to hold possession with 31 seconds left and a chance to drag the match into overtime. Ross, however, was unsuccessful with his drive and, at the other end, Andrew Aquilina failed to put the issue beyond doubt when missing a free-throw with Athleta leading 77-74.

A pot from outside the arc would have given Floriana another chance but Clayton Calleja was unable to conclude.

Remax Siġġiewi 41
Virtus Cynergi 82

(8-24, 9-25, 15-19, 9-14)

Paul Ferrante’s Virtus Cynergi continued to leave a good impression as the side composed of former Starlites players along with new signings Shawn Pace, David Bugeja and Peter Shoults produced another sound display to beat Remax Siġġiewi 82-41.

Nathan Walkup has also fitted well in the Virtus team to finish top-scorer with 28 points.

The young Siġġiewi team were no match for Virtus who dictated play from the opening minutes to hold a 24-8 lead by the end of the first quarter.

With Siġġiewi’s reaction failing to materialise, Virtus held the upperhand and wrapped up the game at half-time when leading 49-17.

Siġġiewi came more into the picture after the break as Virtus looked happy to administer their lead.

Men’s Shield
(Sunday) 1pm Virtus vs Luxol. 4.30pm Athleta vs Depiro.