Footwork L'Oreal 61
(10-18, 14-8, 15-20, 22-26)
Pembroke Tumas Gr. 72

Footwork's dim hopes of a place in the play-offs were quashed in the closing minutes of their match against the more quoted Pembroke who relied on all their experience to chalk up their 10th successive win in the league.

Pembroke's shooters were not at their best. It was their fine showing underneath the boards which really helped them construct their victory.

Michael Naudi was back to form even though he pushed his luck too far at times.

The Reds wiped out Footwork's auspicious start with 12 consecutive points to lead 18-10 at the end of the opening session. Footwork came back before the interval to close the gap to a single basket - 26-24.

Two quick baskets after the break saw Steve Buttigieg's team ahead.

Joe Galea re-organised his ranks and with a more aggressive defence Pembroke managed to open a 55-41 lead with seven minutes left.

Footwork never threw in the towel. They pulled back to 55-50 but in the end their efforts proved futile as Pembroke stepped up a gear to avoid any surprises.

Footwork: L. Camilleri 5, S. Sammut 8, E. Fenech Pace, I. Mercieca 10, C. Sammut 7, M. Barberi, A. Bonnici 24, R. Loporto, A. Huizer 2, E. Xuereb 5.

Pembroke: M. Naudi 30, J. Naudi 10, M. Zammit 11, E. Bezzina 5, T. Riolo 4, O. Said 7, W. Spiteri, D. Cuschieri 5, J. Ransley.

Refs: C. Farrugia, G. Barbara.

Bupa Luxol 50
(16-12, 18-19, 8-21, 8-16)
Siggiewi 68

Siggiewi, playing with their best formation, hit back strongly after the half-time break to score a morale-boosting win before the play-offs. This was Siggiewi's last match of the regular season. They will finish third and face the same Luxol in the semis.

At first, Luxol were defending better and turning round the ball well in attack. However, once Siggiewi got going, the champions lost their composure. Their play became complicated and there was no sign of teamwork in John Tabone's formation.

Luxol were leading 34-31 at half time and kept ahead till midway through the third quarter. But then, up came Roderick Mifsud who spurred his team forward, also aided by Marco Pisani's effective play.

Siggiewi never looked back. They dominated the remaining minutes of the game to canter home to a deserved win.

Luxol: D. Falzon 9, M. Mercieca 7, R. Azzopardi 12, B. Micallef Trigona, M. Bonnici 3, R. Dalli 2, A. Bianchi 2, A. Cremona 2, D. Ross 3, S. Cassar 10.

Siggiewi: D. Schembri 4, M. Pisani 14, J. Doughty, S. Schembri 8, N. Farrugia 11, A. Portelli 10, A. Micallef 10, R. Mifsud 10, S. Cassar, J. Gatt 1.

Refs: B. Vassallo, J.P. Sammut.

Standings: Pembroke 21 (10-1); Siggiewi 19 (7-5); Luxol 18 (7-4); Hamrun 14 (3-8); Footwork 12 (1-10).

Louis Borg Cup SFs: (Saturday) 3.45 p.m. Pembroke vs Luxol; 5.30 p.m. Siggiewi vs Hamrun. (Sunday) 2.30 p.m. Luxol vs Pembroke; 4.15 p.m. Hamrun vs Siggiewi.

Women's League

The women's league first phase came to a close last weekend when the last three matches were played.

Luxol Vodafone finished fourth and now meet leaders Hibs Go Mobile in the semi-finals. Champions Depiro Still's opponents are Naxxar Danone.

As expected, Depiro were never troubled by Hamrun Tivoli. They took control right from the jump ball and extended their lead consistently for a comfortable 83-23 win.

Naxxar consolidated their third place with a comfortable victory over Qormi Quick Shot in a match which saw Irene Farrugia on court for the first time this season.

Naxxar quickly raced into a 25-6 lead at the end of the first ten minutes, an excellent start which paved the way for an 89-32 victory.

Luxol knew they had to beat Kerygma by more than a 100 points to claim third place. However, stand-in coach Ruth Spiteri preferred to give a chance to the young players who contributed for a 62-30 win.

The league now makes way for cup competitions. The opening play-offs will take place on April 17.

Standings: Hibs 23 (11-1); Depiro 23 (11-1); Naxxar 19 (7-5); Luxol (7-5) 19; Hamrun 16 (4-8); Kerygma 13 (1-11); Qormi 13 (1-11).

Next fixtures: (Saturday) BoV KO 2 p.m. Kerygma vs Qormi. (Sunday) 11 a.m. Luxol vs Naxxar; 12.45 p.m. Hibs vs Depiro.