Virtus were in a class of their own as they eliminated Hibs in a twolegged Louis Borg Cup semi-final. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Floriana Café Del Mar 148
PAVI Depiro 131

(1st leg: 68-66, 2nd leg: 80-65)

It seems that Depiro show their best play in this competition.

After eliminating Luxol in the previous round, they produced another outstanding performance over the two legs in this semi-final against Floriana who were made to fight harder to live up to their billing as favourites and progress to the title match.

In the end, the Greens had Chad Patus to thank as now they play Virtus in another decider for a major honour this season.

In the first leg, Floriana went in for the break leading 32-28 and the equilibrium remained after the interval as Depiro replied to each of their opponents’ baskets to stay in contention.

The last ten minutes saw the Greens starting with a 48-44 advantage but Depiro soon raced to a 65-59 lead with only three minutes left.

Floriana opted for a time-out and when play resumed Patus, almost single-handedly, led the side back to the driving seat, finishing the match 68-66 winners.

Floriana sought to avoid another close affair as the second leg got underway on Sunday.

They won the first quarter 30-18 but Depiro had other ideas and hit back strongly to cancel the deficit and take a 33-32 lead midway through the second quarter.

Floriana stemmed the tide and nine consecutive points before the interval helped them change ends 45-37 in front.

Then, 14 consecutive points without reply saw the Greens pulling away 61-39.

Depiro were unable to regroup this time as Floriana administered their lead to book their place in the final.

Falken Cynergi Virtus 225
Hibernians 136

(1st leg: 135-63, 2nd leg: 90-73)

Virtus made it clear they had forgotten all about their upset in the BOV KO final the previous week after cruising past Hibs and into the final of the Louis Borg Cup.

Paul Ferrante’s men made sure in the opening leg when they collected the highest score of the season to reduce the return match two days later to a mere formality.

By the half-time break on Friday, Virtus had already opened a handsome lead – 66-33.

With Hibs unable to contain their opponents’ fast play, it came as no surprise when Shaun Pace potted his shot for Virtus to reach the 100-point mark before the third quarter was over.

Leading 113-44, Virtus reduced the pace, allowing Hibs to share the exchanges but still unable to avoid a heavy defeat – 135-63.

Virtus did not produce the same kind of high-tempo play on Sunday, also knowing that their place in the final had already been sealed 48 hours earlier.

Hibs were still in it as the second quarter got underway but Virtus hit their stride again to change ends 45-37 ahead.

After falling further behind, 57-37, Hibs had a good run on court to reduce the gap to a single basket 59-57.

But coach Ferrante can rely on a stronger squad at champions Virtus and when his men play to the top of their game very few teams can match their firepower as Hibernians came to know in the last quarter.

Virtus eventually won the second leg 90-73 in another high-scoring encounter to surpass the Louis Borg Cup semi-final hurdle without difficulty.