Gżira Athleta 77
Falken Cynergi Virtus 89
(21-28, 10-20, 22-21, 24-20)

Atheta needed to win this tie to maintain their hopes of contesting the men’s league final for the 14th time in succession.

However, they were handicapped by the absence of their top-scorer and captain Michael Naudi and playmaker Roderick Vella as champions Virtus para-ded their standard formation.

Despite the notable absences, Athleta still kept in touch with their opponents as the lead changed hands several times early on until a 10-3 break helped Virtus open a 28-21 cushion by the end of the first quarter.

After the initial stages of the second quarter, Virtus’s press left its mark as they extended their lead to 45-25, going on to change ends enjoying a comfortable 48-31 advantage.

Athleta tried to increase the pace of their game after the interval as Virtus, who opted for cautious tactics, were buoyed by Chris Santo’s points (he totalled 40 in all) to start the last quarter 69-53 in front.

Joe Galea’s men hit their best patch early in the fourth period when 13 consecutive points put them just six behind – 72-66.

Virtus halted their opponents’ stride with a time-out. When play resumed it was even play as the champions held on to make sure they reached their second successive play-off final series.

Athleta: M. Gouder 16, F. Mifsud Bonnici, D. Wiersum, L. Stefanovic, I. Buldakov 3, B. Zammit 13, A. Micallef 11, N. Lubrano 5, S. Vincic, M. Gauci Montaldo, L. Fisher 29.

Virtus: S. Pace 5, D. Bugeja 16, R. Bonnici 6, D. Camilleri , S. Bonnici, J. Formosa 12, A. Felice Pace, C. Santo 40, L. Sobers, F. Bartolo, P. Shoults 10, T. Grech.

Referees: B. Vassallo, E. Mangani, A. Carbonaro.

BUPA Luxol 67
Floriana Café Del Mar 94
(14-17, 8-21, 18-30, 27-26)

Floriana enjoyed the lion’s share of the rebounds in this match and, along with a better shooting percentage, they registered the victory they sought to secure a berth in the final.

Luxol were poor in their shooting and individual play as the Greens, who had playmaker Lee Ross back from injury, mounted several fast breaks that yielded them crucial points.

Luxol only led in the opening minutes as Floriana closed the first quarter in front and continued to dominate to extend their lead to 38-22 at half-time.

After the interval Luxol tried hard to get back in the reckoning only for their hopes to be dashed when Floriana embarked on a 14-2 break even though the influential Chad Patus was not on court.

With victory in Floriana’s bags, both coaches introduced more substitutes in the last quarter.

The championship final will be Floriana’s fourth attempt this season to claim an honour, having lost on the three previous occasions to Virtus.

Luxol: C.J. Cordina 22, M. Mercieca 2, J. Willoughby 12, S. Vasser, J. Maistre Mellilo, J.P. Schembri 5, K. Dimech 3, T. Paris 4, J.P. Bonnici 7, W. Alhberg 12.

Floriana: C. Patus 13, L. Ross 8, N. Sultana 13, S. Borg 12, A. Portelli, N. Vasovic 14, C. Calleja 10, A. Axiaq 10, A. Micallef Trigona 8, N. Andrejevic 6.

Referees: B. Vassallo, G. Barbara, A. Carbonaro.

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