Falken Cynergi Virtus 84
Gżira Athleta 98

(17-27, 27-23, 21-13, 19-35)

Athleta captured the BOV Cup for the fourth year in a row after beating Virtus in an entertaining final at the Ta’ Qali Pavilion, yesterday.

Both teams reached a high level of performance throughout the decider. However, it was Joe Galea’s team who left the court with a broad smile on their faces after denying Virtus a clean sweep this season.

Athleta’s victory was deserved.

They held an edge underneath the boards with Lee Fisher, Michael Naudi and Nicolai Lub-rano making their mark by winning several rebounds in attack as well as potting useful baskets in crucial moments of the encounter.

At times, Virtus looked slow in their blocking moves as their full-court press tactics also failed to leave the desired effect as happened so often this season.

Athleta scored most of the points in the early stages of the match. Virtus regrouped but after a time-out, Galea’s men recovered and forced their opponents into committing several errors in passing and shooting.

At the end of the first quarter, Athleta were enjoying a 10-point lead. They continued to dictate matters to extend their advantage to 40-25 but Virtus hit back to narrow the gap to six points by half-time – 50-44.

After a balanced opening to the third period, Virtus started gaining the upperhand and also succeeded in going ahead for the first time – 65-63 – before the last quarter got underway.

Contrary to what happened in previous clashes between these two teams, Athleta did not wilt under the pressure. They started to move more freely on court and with their lead increasing with every minute that passed, Virtus collapsed and gave up hope.

Virtus may be the team to beat in the league but yesterday Athleta showed they are still a force to be reckoned with.

Virtus: S. Pace, D. Bugeja 16, R. Bonnici 11, D. Camilleri, S. Bonnici, J. Formosa 13, A. Felice Pace, C. Santo 34, L. Sobers, F. Bartolo, P. Shoults 10, T. Grech.

Athleta: M. Naudi 31, R. Vella 15, J. Wait, D. Weirsum, L. Stefanovic, I. Buldakov, B. Zammit 3, A. Micallef 5, N. Lubrano 13, S. Vincic, M. Gauci Montaldo, L. Fisher 31.

Referees: B. Vassallo, G. Barbara, E. Mangani.

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