Depiro Mtarfa 62
Siġġiewi Derby 80
(18-25, 15-16, 14-15, 15-24)

Pivot Marco Matijevic was a dominant figure underneath the boards as Siġġiewi defeated Depiro for the second time in the space of four days to seal their passage to the semi-finals of the BOV Knock-Out competition.

In the first men’s league match after the enforced four-week break, played last Thursday, Siġġiewi overcame Depiro 75-69.

While Depiro were at full strength for the knock-out tie, Siġġiewi coach Peter Farrugia only had seven players available as forward Adrian Micallef and pivot Jide Jetsen were sidelined with injuries.

Siġġiewi enjoyed the better start to open a three-point lead, only for Depiro to fight back and go 10-7 in front thanks to Isaac Tanti’s baskets by the fifth minute.

As Depiro failed to maintain their momentum, Siġġiewi recovered to end the quarter 25-18 ahead.

Depiro were the better side at the start of the second session to forge 26-25 ahead by the third minute. A 9-0 run turned the tide in Siġġiewi’s favour, 34-26. They went on to change ends 41-33 ahead.

The third quarter was a balanced affair with Siġġiewi keeping their lead, 56-47, before the final 10 minutes got underway.

Peter Shoults’s assists and more points from playmaker Alan Borg kept Siġġiewi in control as they eased into the semi-finals.

Depiro: R. Vella 8, J.P. Schembri 7, D. Bugeja 7, A. Aquilina 7, J. Gatt, J. Camilleri, E. Lupo 12, M. Mallia, I. Tanti 21.

Siġġiewi: P. Shoults 7, J. Doughty, E. Xuereb 9, A. Borg 18, L. Ross 10, K. Borg, M. Matijevic 36.

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