Falken Cynergi Virtus 84
Gżira Athleta 76
(20-17, 13-18, 14-10, 21-23 – 16-8)
Champions Virtus required overtime to stave off the bold challenge of Athleta and win this match.
After the upset to Hibs in the Louis Borg Cup, Athleta seemed to have got back on track and were never outsmarted by Virtus.
This turned out to be a thrilling encounter and a good advert for the sport with the lead changing hands several times before Virtus finally pulled clear in extra-time.
A Daan Weirsum three-pointer saw Athleta staying in contention at the end of the first quarter.
When play resumed they had a strong opening to take a 25-20 lead. Substitutions helped Virtus to surpass this difficult moment and at half-time Athleta enjoyed a two-point lead – 35-33.
After the interval both teams had difficulty in potting baskets regularly with the foreign players under tight scrutiny. Virtus were relying on the exploits of the battling Peter Shoults and they came back to lead by a single basket for the last ten minutes – 47-45.
Athleta obtained the opening five points but with Chris Santo back on court Virtus raced into a 58-53 lead. However, Athleta fought back admirably and when the champions seemed to have victory in their sight, Billy Zammit struck from outside the zone to set up a tight finale – 68-65.
After a time-out, Virtus lost possession and Michael Naudi potted his shot and won a free-throw after a foul. The Athleta captain was successful from the line to force overtime.
But, Virtus held the initiative in extra-time and managed to keep their noses in front, going on to seal the issue from free-throws.
Virtus: S. Pace 9, D. Bugeja 12, R. Bonnici 14, D. Camilleri, S. Bonnici, L. Sobar, A. Felice Pace, C. Santo 27, A. Schembri, F. Bartoli, P. Shoults 20, T. Grech 2.
Athleta: M. Naudi 29, R. Vella 6, D. Weirsum 14, L. Stefanovic, I. Buldakov, B. Zammit 12, A. Micallef 4, A. Lubrano 11, S. Vincic, M. Gauci Montaldo.
Referees: B. Vassallo, E. Mangani, A. Carbonaro.
Floriana Café Del Mar 72
PAVI Depiro 53
(17-8, 19-15, 20-11, 16-19)
Floriana were never troubled by Depiro who potted the first points but the Greens were quick to impose their superiority and at half-time they led 36-23.
After a balanced start to the third session, Floriana lifted their game significantly to extend their lead to 56-34.
Depiro were more aggressive when play resumed and they reduce the gap to 60-43.
But there was little time left for them to beat the Greens who maintained their unbeaten run in the league.
Hibernians 64
BUPA Luxol 74
(12-21, 9-26, 31-20, 12-7)
Hibs’ hopes of a second win in the championship took a blow as they were outclassed before half-time when Luxol hit their stride to open a cushion lead which they never relinquished.
Hibs presented their standard formation as Luxol had pivot Jean Paul Bonnici back.
The opening exchanges were shared but when play resumed after the first quarter was over Luxol potted 12 points in succession and Hibs were unable to hit back.
Colt Fason caused most of the damage for Hibs as Luxol took a seemingly assuring 47-21 lead at half-time.
The Paolites looked a better lot after the interval and their attacking play improved. In fact, their efforts were rewarded when in the last five minutes of the third quarter they defended better and narrowed the gap to 62-48.
Luxol continued to hold an edge to win their first league match even though they survived a few anxious moments late on.
Standings: Virtus 6 (3-0), Floriana 6 (3-0), Athleta 4 (1-2), Luxol 4 (1-2), Hibs 4 (1-2), Depiro 3 (0-3).
Top scorers: C. Fason (Luxol) 98, M. Naudi (Athleta) 79, C. Patus (Floriana) 75, C. Santo (Virtus) 69, M. Neulue (Depiro) 67.
League fixtures: January 9 – 16.30 PAVI Depiro vs Virtus. January 10 – 13.00 Floriana vs Hibernians; 16.30 Athleta vs Luxol.