Gatorade 1 Div. Men's League
Bupa Luxol 60 Dakar Sliema 74
(11-14)(23-22)(17-21)(9-17)

Sliema jumped to the top of the standings again, beating Luxol for the third time in four games this season. It was close for the best part of the game, but late in the second session Sliema took command, and the last quarter was their own. their only regret is the injury suffered by Michael Naudi, in the opening session, but which really didn't hamper them in their victorious display.
Sliema had Matthew Zammit missing, and Tino Riolo is still abroad, but they recovered Omar Said, back from his suspension, Duncan Cuschieri and Silvio Cassar, after missing their last game. Both teams missed their attempts in the first minutes, but gradually they settled down. Sliema went into an 8-2 lead, with Adrian Micallef confirming his good spell. Jide jetson replied for Luxol, and then the treys started.
Omar Said and Duncan Cuschieri for Sliema, and Luxol's Steve Schembri in vetween. At this time Sliema's Michael Naudi retired injured, with back problems. Till the end of the session there were only a couple of Steve Schembri's free shots, as Luxol crept nearer. In the second session Robert Azzopardi's trey for Luxol tied the score..
Sliema went ahead again, but a couple of steals and conclusions by Chris Sammut, gave the Violets the lead for the first time, at 23-18. Sliema went to a point down, but were stopped by Steve Schembri's points. in the final minute the treys came again, twice Etienne Bezzina for Sliema and Sammut for Luxol. it wasn't over, as Duncan Cuschieri sank his second trey, as Sliema finished the session, at the interval, 36-34 in front.
After the break Sliema managed a 7-0 run, with a third Cuschieri trey, but their increased lead didn't last long, as Luxol replied admirably, with a strong 13-4 run, with two treys by Alan Borg and another by Sammut, for a 47-47 tie. After such an exertion Luxol suffered another setback, as Sliema came up with a 10-0 run, anding with treys by Silvio Cassar and Cuschieri's fourth. Caruana Montaldo picked Luxol up with a couple of treys, but after three sessions Sliema were still 57-51 ahead.
In the last quarter Luxol were hit yet again, as Bezzina and Omar Said shared the hoops in a 9-0 long run. Luxol were denied for the best part of the session, and Sliema's long possessions killed off any hopes of a Violets comeback. Alan Borg's trey stopped the run, and despite another Sammut trey, sliema were not to be denied. They had enough of a lead, and Cassar's second trey sealed the result.

LUXOL: 17 C. Sammut, M. Mercieca, 3 R. Azzopardi, M. Micallef, 9 A. Borg, A. Bianchi, M. Portera, R. Dalli, D.Schembri, 4 E. Caruana Montaldo, 8 J. Jetson, 19 s. Schembri SLIEMA: M. Naudi, J. Zammit, C. Calleja, 13 E. Bezzina, J. Galea, T. Vella, 22 O. Said, 12 A. Micallef, 14 D. Cuschieri, 4 K. Baldacchino, 7 S. Cassar, 2 J. Gatt
REFEREES: Bernard Vassallo, Gordon Barbara, Stephen Micallef

Gatorade Men's 1 Div. League
Floriana 76 Qormi Kia 81
(21-21)(17-14)(21-27)(17-19)
This bottom of the standings match resulted in an enthralling encounter, which finally went Qormi's way, as they avenged the defeat they suffered in the first round. Their second league win has clutched them out of the bottom rung, leaving Floriana behind them.
It could have been anybody's game, but Qormi lasted the match better and took the spoils. Floriana had Vanya Torbarov missing, and Qormi recovered Sam farrugia, who was returning after missing a number of games. Roderick Mifsud opened up well for Floriana, as they gained a 6-1 lead, but Antoine Grech's free shots and Adrian Baldacchino's trey, in a 7-0 run, turned the score around. Floriana recovered as Don Ross went on court, and promptly sank a trey.
Not to be outdone Wayne Grixti put in a trey for Qormi. The lead changed hands several times in an exhilarating first session, that ended all square, with Grixti sinking his second trey. In the second quarter both sides were still at it. Gauci Grech's trey for Floriana saw them just ahead, but Qormi twice tied the score.
Floriana went four points in the lead, but Roberto Formosa went on court for Qormi, and began putting hoops in, including a trey, as his side were just a point down. Floriana kept their noses in front, and at the halfway stage they were leading 38-35.
After the break Floriana managed to increase their lead, but Qormi suddenly clicked, and Grixti's contribution in a strong 15-0 run, including his third trey, found the Dark Blues on a 50-42 favourable score. Floriana didn't recover properly. as Qormi went on with their positive spell, for a 59-45 score.
The momentum died down, and Floriana embarked on an 11-0 run, with a Karl Borg trey, to get close enough, only to be jolted with a Simon Cauchi trey. Gauci Grech replied likewise for Floriana, and with a session to go Qormi held a small 62-59 lead. In the final quarter Karl Borg's second trey put Floriana ahead. Cauchi sank a trey at the other end, his second, for his side's lead. Floriana's efforts found Qormi's defence very sound, but in the last minute the Greens tried to stop the clock, and Don Ross' trey made it a one hoop game. Simin Cauchi's final free shots closed down the match for Qormi, as time ran out for Floriana.

FLORIANA: 1 B. Riolo, 6 N. Sultana, J. Paris, 11 A. Sultana, 1 B. Grech, 12 K. Borg, 2 G. Gilson, 13 R. Mifsud, 8 G. Gauci Grech, 22 D. Ross
QORMI: 14 W. Grixti, 9 A. Grech, 7 K. Scicluna, J. Anastasi, A. Camilleri, S. Farrugia, 15 R. Formosa, 9 J. Dalli, R. Baldacchino, C. Bugeja, 14 S. Cauchi, 13 A. Baldacchino REFEREES: Bernard Vassallo, Emanuel Mangani, Alfred Carbonaro

Gatorade Men's 1 Div. League
Depiro 69 Siggiewi Smina 71
(15-23)(16-16)(19-18)(19-14)
Depiro were just a whisker away from producing another upset, as they did against Luxol. Siggiewi breathed a huge sigh of relief at the end of this match, as they had to battle it out till the last seconds, to keep their unbeaten record this season, against Depiro, in the three matches they played against each other.
David Agius will surely remember this game, having played a blinder, although finishing on the losing side. Depiro had Antoine Costa and Isaac Tanti mere spectators on the bench, and Siggiewi, along with the missing Albert Spiteri and Anthony Huizer, also had JP Bonnici abroad.
As is their wont, Siggiewi opened up at a fast pace, making a 7-2 lead, with an Addison Bonnici trey, but Depiro were equal to the occasion, and tied with a David Agius trey, as he had a strong performance straight from the start. Peter Shoults replied instantly for Siggiewi, with his trey, and despite Agius' further points for Depiro, a number of free throws for Siggiewi, and a David Camilleri trey, opened up their lead in the opening quarter.
Depiro cut down the deficit in the second session, but Siggiewi produced a good spell, and a 9-0 run, ending with a Shoults special, which gave them a good 32-20 advantage. They didn't enjoy it long, as Depiro put in two treys in a row, by Emanuel Lupo and Roderick Vella. Siggiewi recovered, but they were hit again with another Agius trey, as Depiro went near. Siggiewi did enough to restore their lead, and at the interval they enjoyed a 39-31 advantage.
After the break Siggiewi still couldn't hold David Agius, as his sweet shooting resulted in more treys, three in all. Siggiewi's lead evaporated, and a 12-0 Depiro run was finally halted with a David Camilleri trey. Till the end of the quarter Siggiewi completed a 9-0 run, as Shoults also sank his third trey, for a 57-50 favourable score.
In the final session Depiro suffered an early hoop, but responded grandly with a 9-0 run, ending with yet another Agius trey, to tie at 59-59. Siggiewi grimly went ahead again, as Louis Camilleri sank his shots, but Roderick Vella kept Depiro's flag flying, with his second trey. Depiro tied in the last minute, and both sides then lost their free shots. As it was Addison Bonnici settled the issue, with a further set of free throws, as Depiro lost their last occasion to sneak a win, as the ball bounced from the rim. Siggiewi are now sole leaders, but have played a game more than Sliema, who are just a game behind.

DEPIRO: 18 R. Vella, C. Cassar, M. Sammut, G. MUscat, A. Aquilina, 12 A. Tabone, 2 M. Mallia, B. Zammit, 6 E. Lupo, 31 D. Agius.
SIGGIEWI: D. Gilson, 14 L. Camilleri, 15 D. Camilleri, J. Doughty, 6 A. Portelli, 3 JP Azzopardi, 13 P. Shoults, M. Pajic, 20 A. Bonnici, M. Shoults, S. Sammut, E. Xuereb REFEREES: Gordon Barbara, Emanuel Mangani, Stephen Micallef

Men's 2 Div. League
Loyola Xuereb Installations 62 SN Suns Bell Med 53
(20-13)(10-18)(18-12)(14-10)
Loyola kept Suns firmly rooted at the bottom of the standings, but they still at a distance from the first two teams in the table. Suns were practically in the game throughout, and only fell back in the closing stages, in their final efforts to save the match.
A good shooting performance by Hubert Agius wasn't enough, as Loyola also had their marksmen. to record their third victory over Suns this season. Suns had their missing players, four in all, for this match. Loyola raced into a 5-0 lead, but Suns' free shots brought them closer, and Anthony Shoults' trey kept them in touch. Joe Vassallo's points for Loyola, with a couple of treys thrown in, helped them to a first session lead, despite Hubert Agius' late points for Suns.
In the second quarter Suns' good opening, with an 8-0 run, gave them the lead. Loyola retaliated, but Shoults' second trey saw Suns still 24-21 in front. Loyola were still in arrears till Clayton Agius popped up with a couple of hoops, but Loyola were unable to keep their lead till the interval, as Adrian Camilleri made a hoop for Suns in the closing seconds, for a 31-30 score in favour of Suns.
After the break the points wern't so plentiful at first. Loyola went ahead, and Joe Vella's points kept them in front till Hubert Agius tied for Suns, at 37-37. The scoring picked up again in the latter stages of the quarter, as Loyola went back in front, and their lead increased with a Clint Grixti trey, for a 48-43 score, after three sessions.
In the final quarter Agius' two hoops in three for Suns put them in front again, but Loyola had a quick reply, and their lead this time was better, after Trevor Grech's trey. At the end a further two hoops put Loyola in a safe position, as Suns' final efforts were hasty and ineffective.
LOYOLA: 18 Joe Vassallo, 13 Clayton Agius
SUNS: 27 Hubert Agius, 8 Anthony Shoults
REFEREES: Bernard Vassallo, Alfred Carbonaro

Men's 2 Div. League
Mellieha SVS 94 Mosta 64
(19-13)(22-16)(26-15)(27-20)
Mellieha seem to be in a class of their own, as they rode roughshod over the team behind them in the standings.Mosta couldn't cope, and it was only for a brief period that they were close. A strong bench is helping mellieha to exert constant pressure on their opponents, and so far they only suffered a blip throughout the whole season, but which cost them an honour. Mellieha had Ian terribile missing from the match, and Mosta's Ray Muscat and Matthew Bonnici were also absent.
The match had a bright start, as Mellieha's two treys, by Michael Pisani and the returning Saviour Magro, had an immediate reply from Sassoun Saakian and Oliver Sammut, also with treys. Mellieha strode on, and points by Julian Naudi, with a further trey, saw them ahead. Mosta tied the score, with Joe Micallef's hoops, but mellieha went in front again, till the end of the quarter, netting three straight baskets.
In the second session mellieha didn't take long to increase their lead, going into double figures, at 27-17. Mosta staged a reaction, with an 8-0 run, and a sammut trey. Mellieha replied with three hoops, but Sammut sank his third trey for Mosta. Mellieha repeated the dose of three hoops in a row, and at the interval they were 41-29 ahead.
After the break Mellieha started off again by going further in front, but Mosta had a good spell, and points and another trey by Sammut, brought them to 40-52 down. It didn't last, as Mellieha had Saviour Magro potting from all angles, in a 12-0 run, to steer clear again. they finished the quarter with a Michael Pisani trey, to enjoy a 67-44 lead.
In the final session Samuel Aquilina's points added to Mosta's woes, and there was no reply at the other end. Mellieha completed a 12-2 break, with a third Pisani trey, and new entry, Paul Magro, sank another one. Simon Schembri, on the other side, followed suit, but Mosta had already thrown in the towel, and mellieha could run up a high score. Mosta managed three more treys at the end, but they were still a disappointed lot.
MELLIEHA: 17 Michael Pisani, 15 Saviour Magro, 13 Julian Naudi, 12 Samuel Aquilina MOSTA: 25 Oliver Sammut, 17 Sassoun Saakian
REFEREES: Emanuel Mangani, Jean Paul Sammut

Peugeot Women's League
Sliema Wanderers 31 Luxol 69
(11-15)(8-17)(3-17)(9-20)
Luxol ended a three-game losing streak, and in turn beat Sliema for the third time this season. Despite the win, with Kerygma registering more victories, the Violets' slim hopes of making the championship pool are now fading away.
Leanne Sciberras was ineffective for Sliema, and it was left to Michela Loporto to provide the main threat, but Luxol were never in any danger of losing the match. Luxol had Psaila savona missing. They started well enough, although suffering a Loporto trey, for a 9-3 lead. The rest of the session was shared between the two teams, as Luxol held on to their lead, with Mandy Sciortino their principal scorer.
In the second quarter Sliema were hit again at the start. A 9-0 run, this time with Justine Mangion the chief markswoman, pushed Luxol further away from their opponents. Sliema managed a reply, but they could only prevent Luxol from increasing their lead. at the halfway stage Luxol were comfortably 32-19 ahead.
After the break Sliema fared yet worse. It was Mandy Sciortino again who did the main damage to the opposing defence. Luxol began with an 8-2 run, and then ended the quarter with another 9-0 break, which started with Luxol's only trey, by Sciortino. after three sessions the game was already decided, with a 49-22 score.
In the final session Luxol did not let up, and this time operated on fast breaks, where Emma Moore had a field day, notching up her personal tally, and ending up as the game's top scorer.
At the other end Michela Loporto sank her second trey, and Ariana grixti managed to pierce Luxol's rearguard twice. Moore totted up Luxol's last five hoops, to end a satisfying game's work, as Luxol tasted victory again, their fourth in the league.
SLIEMA: 11 Michela Loproto
LUXOL: 22 Emma Moore, 21 Amanda Sciortino, 12 Justine Mangion
REFEREES: Jean Paul Sammut, Jennifer Mangani

Depiro 72 Loyola Xuereb Installations 49
(21-8)(17-10)(11-17)(23-14)
Depiro registered their third win in four games against Loyola, and now are clear in second place, leaving the third and final spot still open for the championshipo pool. Loyola now fall into the fourth position, although they have played a game less than Kerygma.
Depior had Joselle Cardona injured again, and Loyola introduced jean Doughty, in lieu of Denelza Bayliss. It was Depiro with the better start, with Greta Zarb and Sarah Pace treys in an 8-0 run.
Loyola settled down and reduced the arrears, but Depiro took up the reins again, and a session ending 10-2 run, starting with another Pace trey, saw Depiro easing away from their opponents.
In the second quarter Lyola were on the receiving end again. An 11-2 run, with points shared by Rachel Camilleri and Greta Zarb, left loyola behind. the latter did recover, but their 8 point run was blemished by a second Zarb trey. depiro were in command at the end of the session, and at the interval they were leading 38-18.
After the break Depiro were in control of the situation, as they held on to their lead. Further on in the session loyola began to take the upper hand, ans Denisa Hollier was prominent with her hoops. a 10-3 run brought them closer, but not enough.
In the closing stages Depiro's free throws were replied to by an Ann Camilleri trey for Loyola. After three sessions it was a 49 35 game. The final session was scrappy at first, as Loyola tried to get close, with Ann Camilleri putting in her second trey.
Abigail Sciberras made enough points for Depiro, to keep their opponents at bay, before being fouled out, along with Rhian Spiteri. loyola's reply did not bear fruit, and depiro strolled through, to consolidate their second stop in the table, also sinking in a couple of treys, for a handsome win.
DEPIRO: 22 Rachel Camilleri, 19 Sarah Pace, 17 Greta Zarb, 12 Abigail Sciberras LOYOLA: 12 Sandra Schembri Wismayer, 9 Denise Hollier
REFEREES: Alfred Carbonaro, Anthony Micallef

Peugeot Women's League
Kerygma 59 SN Suns JC 26
(17-3)(9-8)(16-7)(17-8)
Kerygma keep striding on, pushing hard at Loyola, for the prestigious third place in the standings. They recorded their fifth win in nine games, and for many a year there are more positive results than otherwise.
Suns gave their all, even though once more they were missing some players, but their work rate cannot be faulted. Kerygma sought and made an early lead, with an 8-0 run, with Josette Calleja in the forefront. Suns replied midway through the quarter, but Kerygma had command of the match,and finished the session on an 8-0 run, this time it was Annabel Busuttil making points, including a trey.
In the second session Suns surprised Kerygma with a brace of hoops. Busuttil was still making points for Kerygma, but Diane Falzon was on target for Suns again in mid-session. Kerygma didn't dominate as before, but their lead was still intact, and at the interval they were 26-11 in front. After the break Suns shared the play for some time with their opponents, but as time wore on it was Kerygma who came up with their treys, Josette Calleja bagging a couple and Moira Caruana the other one.
The score, at 42-18, was decisively in favour of Kerygma, after three sessions. In the final quarter Suns had a harder time to obtain points in their favour. Calleja and Caruana alternated in hoops for Kerygma, and Lara Cauchi sank a trey, in an 11-2 opening. In the time remaining Diane Falzon went into double figure scoring for Suns, as Kerygma were quite happy with their win, back to back with their success over Luxol.

KERYGMA: 20 Josette Calleja, 11 Annabel Busuttil, 9 Lara Cauchi
SUNS: 12 Diane Falzon, 8 Petra Zammit
REFEREES: Anthony Micallef, Jennifer Mangani

Kampjonat Gatorade
Fi tmiem il-gimgha ntlaghbet is-seba’ gurnata mill-Kampjonat Gatorade. L-aktar partiti mistenniaj kienet dik bejn Sliema u Luxol mirbuha minn ta’ l-ewwel biex baqghu jaqsmu l-ewwel post flimkien ma’ Siggiewi li minn naha taghhom kisbu rebha minima fl-ahhar hinijiet kontra Depiro. Qormi u Floriana offrew partita kumbattuta bil-Qriema jirnexxielhom jinqalghu mill-ahhar post u nghaqdu ma’ Depiro b’zewg rebhiet wara li hargu rebbieha.

Dakar Sliema 74 – Bupa Luxol 60
(14-11, 36-34, 57-51)
Sliema rregistraw il-hames rebha taghhom minn sitt partiti fil-kampjonat Gatorade meta ghelbu lill-‘kugini’ Luxol f’partuta movimentata li fiha kien hemm total ta’ sbatax-il 3-pointer. Fl-ewwel round kienu Luxol li kienu hargu rebbieha 83-76.
B’Adrian Micallef jiftah preciz fis-shooting, Sliema hadu l-ewwel vantagg 8-2 izda punti fuq in-naha opposta minn Jide Jetson u Steve Schembri ghenu lil Luxol jzommu kuntatt ferm mill-vicin minkejja t-3 pointers ta’ Sliema minn Omar said u Duncan Cuschieri.
Il-ftuh tat-tieni perjodu kien ta’ Luxol hekk kif kisbu run ta’ 12-4 ghal 23-18 fejn kien hemm kontribut ukoll minn Robert Azzopardi u Chris Sammut waqt li Sliema kienu tilfu lil Michael Naudi mwegga tard fl-ewwel perjodu. Luxol baqghu jamministraw il-vantagg ghal xi minuti sa 31-27 sakemm lejn tmiem l-ewwel taqsima 3-pointers minn Etienne Bezzina u Cuschieri (ta’ l-ahhar kwazi ezatt mal-horn finali tal-perjodu) poggew lil Sliema basket wahdani fil-vantagg 36-34.
Break ta’ 7-0 minn Sliema wasal ezatt ma’ ftuh tat-tieni taqsima ghal 43-34 izda sa erba’ minuti wara Luxol regghu fethu l-loghba meta innewtralizzaw l-izvantagg kollu ghal parita’ 47-47 wara li kellhom ukoll xuttijiet mid-distanza l-kbira ta’ Alan Borg u Sammut.
Gara izda li Sliema rrispondew bil-break massimu tal-partita meta kellho zewg baskets minn Micallef segwiti minn 3-pointers ta’ Silvio Cassar u Cuschieri (ir-raba’ wiehed ghalih). Minkejja li Luxol ghalqu t-tielet perjodu b’zewg baskets minn Edgar Caruana Montaldo, Sliema komple wikabbru l-vantagg hekk kif fethu l-ahhar perjodu b’disa’ punti konsekuttivi ghal 66-51. Borg u Sammut, bit-3 pointers, ippruvaw jqarrbu lil Luxol, izda Sliema amministraw il-vantagg li kellhom fl-ahhar perjodu li kein l-anqas li kein fih punti fil-partita.

Sliema: M. Naudi, J. Zammit, C. Calleja, E. Bezzina 13, J. Galea, T. Vella, O. Said 22, A. Micallef 12, D. Cuschieri 14, K. Baldacchino 4, S. Cassar 7, J. Gatt 2.
Luxol: C. Sammut 17, M. Mercieca, R. Azzopardi 3, M. Micallef, A. Borg 9, A. Bianchi, M. Portera, R. Dalli, D. Schembri, E. Caruana Montaldo 4, J. Jetson 8, S. Schmebri 19.
Refs: Bernard Vassallo, Gordon Barbara, Stephen Micallef

Qormi Kia 81 – Floriana 76
(21-21, 35-38, 62-59)
Dawn iz-zewg nahat kienu qeghdin ifittxu t-tieni rebha taghhom fil-kampjonat. Floriana kienu hargu rebbieha 77-72 fl-ewwel round, wara konfront li kien deciz fil-hin barrani. Din id-darba kienu Qormi li akkwistaw ir-rebha wara partita bilancjata u missielta sa l-ahhar fejn ftit kien hemm x’jifred liz-zewg nahat.
Sa mill-ewwel perjodu , li ntemm f’parita’ 21-21, deher car li z-zewg teamijiet kienu qed ifittxu r-rebha.
Fl-ewwel ghaxar minuti l-vantagg alterna bosta drabi fejn ghal Qormi kien hemm zewg 3-pointers minn Wayne Grixti waqt li Adrian Baldachino u Antoine Grech kisbu sitt punti rispettivament. Ghal Floriana minbarra l-ghaxar punti maqsuma bejn Adraian Sultana u Roderick Mifsud, kien hemm disa’ punti minn Don Ross li beda l-loghba fuq il-bank tas-sostituti.
Il-bilnac baqa evidenti anke fit-tieni perjodu bil-Furjanizi igawdu aktar mill-vantagg waqt li Qormi rrispndew l-aktar permezz ta’ Roberto Formosa. Punti minn Noel Falzon u Mifsud hekk kif bidet it-tieni taqsima poggew lil Floriana 42-35 minn fuq.
Madankollu f’dan il-mument Qormi kisbu l-akbar break tal-loghabmeta hadu r-riedni tal-loghob f’idejhom u kisbu xejn anqas minn 15-il punt konsekuttiv b’Keith Scicluna, Grixti u Simon Cauchi jiksbu hafna minn dawn il-punti.
Ftit minuti wara l-vantagg ta’ Qormi zdied ghal 14-il punt, 59-45 u forsi xi whud hasbu li l-loghba kienet intemmet. Il-Furjanizi, izda, hasbu mod iehor u bi grinta rnexxielhom jergghu jifthu l-loghba sa tmiem it-tielt perjodu hekk kif huma kisbu run ta’ 14-3 immexxija minn Karl Borg.
L-ahhar perjodu beda bi tliet punti jifirdu liz-zewg nahat u dawn nizlu ghal tnejn tliet minuti fil-perjodu wara basket iehor minn Borg ghal 68-66. Basket ta’ tliet punti u free-shot mieghu minn Formosa segwiti minn basket ta’ Jason Dalli taw nifs qawwi lil Qomri ghal 74-66 izda Ross kien ta’ xewka ghad-difiza ta’ Qormi u 3-pointer tieghu, minuta u nofs mit-tmiem, ressaq lil Floriana femr vicin, 74-76. Gara izda li t-tentattiv ta’ Floriana li jwaqqfu l-arlogg wassal ghal xi free-shots ta’ Qomri u dawn kisbu hamsa fl-ahhar hinijiet sabiex hargu rebbieha.

Qormi: W. Grixti 14, A. Grech 9, K. Scicluna 7, J. Anastasi, A. Camilleri, S. Farrugia, R. Formosa 15, J. Dalli 9, R. Baldacchino, C. Bugeja, S. Cauchi 14, A. Baldacchino 13. Floriana: B. Riolo 1, N. Falzon 6, J. Paris, A. Sultana 11, B. Grech 1, K. Borg 12, G. Gilson 2, R. Mifsud 13, G. Gauci Grech 8, D. Ross 22.
Refs: Bernard Vassallo, Emmanuel Mangani, Alfred Carbonaro

Siggiewi Smina 71 – Depiro 69
(23-15, 39-31, 57-50)
Zewg free-throws fl-ahhar hinijiet minn Addison Bonnici kienu finalment il-punti li firdu lil Siggiewi Smina u Depiro wara partita nteressanti li matulha Depiro rnexxielhom jinnewtralizzaw zvantagg ta’ 12-il punt, 20-32, fl-ewwel taqisma u sahansitra marru fil-vantagg fit-tieni taqsima.
Siggiewi kienu diga ghelbu darbtejn lil Depiro aktar kmieni fl-istagun, 81-66 fis-semifinali tas-Shield u 62-50 fl-ewwel round tal-kampjonat. Madankollu din id-darba huma temmew il-loghba biss b’vantag minimu ta’ basket.
Zewg 3-pointers minn Bonnici u Peter Shoults taw vantagg ta’ 10-7 lil Siggiewi kmieni fil-konfront izda fuq in-naha opposta David Agius beda juri li kien jinsab fil-vena tas-shooting meta kise 7 punti wara xulxin u qarreb lil Depiro put nil-boghod mill-avversarji.
Gara izda li Siggiewi kisbu l-ewwel break tal-loghba b’seba’ punti minghajr risposta b’David Camilleri l-aktar preciz sabiex l-ewwel intemm 23-15. Ghalkemm Roderick Vella u Alex Tabone bdew it-t-tieni perjodu b’hame spunti bejniethom ghal 23-20, Siggiewi kisbu breka iehor, din id-darba ta’ 8-0 biex fethu vantgag b’figura doppja.
Sal-mistrieh Depiro naqqsu ftit dan id-distakk meta kellhom xuttijiet mid-distanza l-kbira ta’ Agius, Vella u Emmanuel Lupo. F’nofs it-tielet perjodu l-iskor inqaleb favur Depiro hekk kif huma hasdu lil-avversarji bi break ta’ 12-0 fejn Agius zied zewg 3-pointers ohra ghal 48-43. Kien David Camilleri li rega gholla l-moral tar-rebbieha meta huwa ksieb zewg bombi ta’ tliet punti segwiti minn iehor simili ta’ Shoults sabiex Siggiewi rnexxielhom jerrghu jfeggu fuq quddiem u fi tmiem it-tielet perjodu kienu 57-50 minn fuq.
L-ahhar perjodu fetah b’basket minn Louis Camilleri ghal 59-50 izda hawn Depiro urew car li ma kienux se jarmu x-xugaman meta b’ghaxar punti konsekuttivi (inkluz is-sittt 3-pointer minn Agius) huma marru 60-59 minn fuq. Il-loghba issa kienet miftuha berah u z-zewg nahat wiegbu lil xulxin sakemm tard fil-loghab Agius qabez it-tletin punt perosnali b’zewg free-shots li gabu l-parita’ 69-69. Bonnici izda ta’ r-rebha lil Siggiewi meta ghaqqad l-ghoxrin punt personali b’zewg xutitjiet mill-linja tal-free-throw.

Siggiewi: D. Gilson, L. Camilleri 14, D. Camilleri 15, J. Doughty, A. Portelli 6, JP Azzopardi 3, P. Shoults 13, M. Pajic, A. Bonnici 20, M. Shoults, S. Sammut, E. Xuereb.
Depiro: R. Vella 18, C. Cassar, M. Sammut, G. Muscat, A. Aquilina, A. Tabone 12, M. Mallia 2, B. Zammit, E. Lupo 6, A. Costa, I. Tanti, D. Agius 31.
Refs: Gordon Barbara, Emmanuel Mangani, Stephen Micallef

Kif jinsabu

Gatorade Div 1 Men
	Laghbu	Rebhu	Tilfu	Favur	Kontra	Pti
Sliema	7	6	1	558	420	13
Siggiewi	7	6	1	536	408	13
Luxol	7	4	3	554	378	11
Depiro	7	2	5	400	449	9
Qormi	7	2	5	401	537	9
Floriana	7	1	6	388	593	8

Kampjonat Tieni Divizjoni Irgiel
Mellieha SVS Leisures 94 – Mosta 64
(19-13, 41-29, 67-44)
Mellieha kisbu rebha mportanti fuq Mosta, it-tieni wahda fil-kampjoant wara success ta’ 84-60 fl-ewwel round, ghax minbarra li baqghu minghajr telfa, huma fethu vantagg ta’ zewg partiti fuq l-istess Mosta.
Mosta kienu sew fil-loghba sa nofs it-tieni perjodu bi skor ta’ 27-25. Madankollu minn hawn il-quddiem Mellieha kienu aktar superjuri u bil-mod il-mod bdew jinqatghu fuq quddiem sakemm break ta’ 12-0, tard fit-tielet perjodu, beda jaghmel ir-rebha taghhom aktar evidenti. Kien imbaghad biss fl-ahhar minuti tal-loghba li Mosta regghu wrew xi ftit aktar precizjoni. Tliet 3-pointers minn Julian Naudi, Savior Magro u Michael Pisani ghenu lil Mellieha jifthu 13-9 minn fuq bil-Mostin, li kellhom lil Ray Muscat nieqes ghall-partita, inizzjalment jibdew il-loghba b’xuttijiet mill-boghod ta’ Oliver Sammut u Sassoun Saakian. Robertlo Loporto u l-ahwa Samuel u Ben Aquilina kkombinaw baskets bejniethom u wasslu lir-rebbieha sabiex kmieni fit-tieni perjodu kienu 25-15 minn fuq.
Mosta ghaddw mill-aqwa mument taghhom f’nofs it-tieni perjodu meta kisbu breka ta’ 8-0 b’Sammut ikompli jkun preciz. Gara izd ali minn ahwn sa hin il-mistrieh Mellieha regghu sabu idejhom fis-shooting u rregistraw run ta’ 14-4.
Fl-ewwel minuti tat-tielet perjodu, Mosta ppruvaw jibqghu vicin l-avversarji izda zewg baskets minn Saviour Magro bdew break massimu ta’ 12-0 ta’ Mellieha biex imbaghad il-perjodu ntemm bi 3-pointer minn Pisani ghal 67-44.
Il-moral ta’ Mellieha issa kien gholi u meta rega beda l-loghob huma komplew jkabbru l-vantagg b’S. Aquilina u Paul Magro l-aktar precizi ghal 91-51. Fl-ahhar battuti Mosta ghamlu l-sikor ftit aktar rispettabli hekk kif Sammut ghaqqad is-sitt 3-pointer tieghu fil-partita waqt li ghal Mellieha erba’ players spiccaw b’figura doppja.

Mellieha: S. Magro 15, M. Cauchi 4, J. Naudi 13, S. Aquilina 12, P. Magro 7, J. Muscat, B. Aquilina 6, J. Aquilina 7, M. Camilleri, S. Grima 2, M. Pisani 17, R. Loporto 11.
Mosta: J. Micallef 8, R. Abela 4, S. Saakian 17, K. Bonnici, A. Pace 2, O. Sammut 25, M. Spiteri 1, L. Deguara 4, S. Schembri 3.
Refs: Emmanuel Mangani, Jean Paul Sammut.

Loyola Xuereb Installations 62 – SN Suns Bell Med 53
(20-13, 30-31, 48-43)
Loyola rnexxielhom jiksbu d-double fil-kampjonat fuq SN Suns wara li kienu ghelbuhom 84-57 fl-ewwel round. Din id-darba ir-rebha kienet aktar missielta hekk kien biss fl-ahhar hinijiet li Suns naqsu milli jzommu l-kuntatt mill-vicin. B’Joe Vassallo ferm attiv (14-il punt fl-ewwel perjodu), Loyola hadu l-ewwel vantagg li kien ta’ 20-13 wara ghaxar minuti. Suns.
Li ghadhom qed ifittxu l-ewwel rebha taghhom, fethu qawwi fit-tieni perjodu u break ta’ 8-0 (b’Hubert Agius u Kenneth Genovese precizi) poggiehom 21-20 minn fuq u ftit minuti wara dan il-vantagg zdied ghal 4 punti, 27-23, wara basket u free-shot minn Angelo Bantick u 3-pointer minn Shoults.
Kienu hames punti minn Clayton Agius li ghenu lil Loyola sabiex jidhlu jistriehu ferm vicin l-avversarji meta kien hemm punt wiehed biss, 31-30, jifred liz-zewg teamijiet wara ghoxti minuta ta’ loghob effettiv. Ma’ ftuh it-tieni taqsima Graham Coleiro ta’ vantagg lil Loyola u dawn baqghu jamministraw dan il-vantagg ghal tul it-tielet perjodu kollu ghalkemm Suns dejjem gharfu jwiegbu u f’nofs il-perjopdu gabu parita’ momentarja, 37-37 u lejn tmiem il-perjodu resqu basket il-boghod, 43-45 wara xutt preciz minn Michael Barberi. Bomba ta’ 3 punti minn Clint Grixti ta’ Loyola ghalqet il-perjodu 48-43.
Sitt punti maqsuma bejn Agius u Robert Camilleri taw spinta qawwija lil Suns meta huma regghu hadu l-vantagg. 49-48, fi ftuh l-ahhar perjodu. Loyola wiegbu b’run importanti ta’ 11-2 fejn Trevor Grech kiseb hames punti, liema run poggiethom 59-51 minn fuq. Il-hin kien favur Loyola u dawn ma kellhomx diffikulta sabiex jaghlqu l-loghba fuq quddiem.

Loyola: K. Galea, G. Micallef 5, J. Vella 4, J. Falzon, C. Agius 13, J. Vassallo 18, T. Grech 7, B. Soler, P. Lentini, C. Grixti 7, J. Ransley 2, G. Coliero 6.
Suns: D. Agius, A. Camilleri 2, K. Genovese 4, R. Camilleri 2, H. Agius 27, M. Barberi 4, B. Cini, A. Shoults 8, A. Bantick 6.
Refs : Bernard Vassallo, Alfred Carbonaro

Div 2 League
	Laghbu	Rebhu	Tilfu	Favur	Kontra	Pti
Mellieha	6	6	0	438	329	12
Mosta	6	4	2	429	435	10
Loyola	6	2	4	388	378	8
Suns	6	0	6	330	437	6