Falken Cynergi Virtus 58
Floriana Café del Mar 52

(14-15, 11-16, 15-13, 18-8)

Virtus again emerged victorious in their clash with Floriana to take sole leadership in the BOV National League standings.

The Greens approached this match in fine form and led for most of the encounter until the last quarter when Virtus applied full-court press tactics to tilt the balance in their favour.

This match never reached the levels expected as both teams were erratic in their shooting and passing moves but in the end Virtus showed more determination to make it five wins from as many matches in the regular season.

Floriana held a slight edge in the opening quarter and the match continued to be a balanced affair when play resumed. Chris Santo was on the bench after his third foul and Floriana profited to change ends 31-25 ahead.

Virtus were never giving up hope though even though Floriana held the upperhand at 40-34.

Then, six consecutive points helped Virtus to level at 40-all only for the Greens to start the last quarter ahead after potting four points without reply.

Virtus knew they required more commitment to break down their opponents’ resistance and their more direct play worked wonders as suddenly Floriana ran out of ideas and conceded 11 successive points to trail 44-51.

Floriana opted for a time-out and they soon clawed their way back to within striking distance (49-51).

But Virtus potted the next six points to distance themselves from the Greens and wrap up a morale-boosting win ahead of Sunday’s BOV Cup final against the same opponents.

Virtus: S. Pace 3, D. Bugeja 10, R. Bonnici 10, L. Sober, S. Bonnici, J. Formosa 13, A. Felice Pace, C. Santo 17, P. Shoults 5, T. Grech.

Floriana: C. Patus 22, D. Borg, L. Ross 8, N. Sultana 10, S. Borg 2, A. Portelli, C. Calleja 4, A. Axiaq 6, A. Micallef Trigona, A. Andrejevic.

Referees: B. Vassallo, T. Helenius, Z. Dobrosoljevic.

Hibernians 51
Gżira Athleta 90

(17-15, 11-24, 12-22, 11-29)

Athleta stayed in close contact with the leaders after producing a fine display and win over Hibs.

With captain Michael Naudi again very much in evidence (he potted 31 points), Athleta took control from the second quarter and never looked back.

Hibs had Marco Matijevic missing but still had the better opening to finish the initial quarter two points in front – 17-15. However, Athleta started showing their intentions in the second quarter which they won 24-11 to open a 39-28 lead at half-time.

Hibs were a spent force as Athleta continued to dominate, going on to start the last ten minutes with a cushion 61-40 lead.

Athleta were in a class of their own as Hibs’ morale was at a low ebb. In the end, they were never a threat to Athleta.

Hibs: P. Attard, M. Hampton, G. Agius 3, L. Farrugia 7, S. Attard 5, I. Bonett 3, K. Caruana 8, R. Cara-bott 3, K. Sultana, S. Vella 2, F. Mariani 20.

Athleta: M. Naudi 31, R. Vella 4, F. Mifsud Bonnici 3, L. Stefanovic 2, I. Buldakov 9, B. Zammit 3, A. Micallef 4, N. Lubrano 11, S. Vincic 2, I. Wait, L. Fisher 21.

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

BUPA Luxol 79
PAVI Depiro 61

(14-13, 19-17, 28-15, 18-16)

This was a match both teams wanted to win to maintain their play-offs chances. In the end, it was Luxol who came out on top to notch their second win and leave Depiro anchored in bottom place.

At the interval the outcome was still uncertain with Luxol only enjoying a three-point lead.

However, any hopes Depiro had of a comeback were scuppered in the third quarter when Luxol hit their stride to extend their advantage to 61-45.

Depiro tried hard to get back in contention but Luxol held control to preserve their lead.

Luxol: C.J. Cordina 18, C. Fenson 36, J. Willoughby 2, S. Vasser, J.P. Schembri 11, J.J. Tabone, K. Dimech, M. Mercieca 6, J. Maistre Melilo, J.P. Bonnici 6.

Depiro: J. Attard 2, M. Agius, A. Aquilina 5, N. Grech 3, T. Zammit 7, M. Mallia, V. Vlahos, K. Xuereb 16, M. Borg 4, M. Neulue 24.

Referees: B. Vassallo, E. Mangani, T. Helenius.

Standings: Virtus 10 (5-0), Floriana 9 (4-1), Athleta 8 (3-2), Luxol 7 (2-3), Hibs 6 (1-4), Depiro 5 (0-5).

BOV KO final: Sunday – 16.30 Virtus vs Floriana.

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