Siggiewi Derby 57

A to Z Electronics Athleta 72

(18-22)(13-12)(10-13)(16-25)

Siggiewi needed a victory to secure their place in the Play Off final but this second placing is still open as Luxol were given a lifeline with Athleta’s win.

It now depends on whether the Violets can repeat their win over Athleta the last time the two teams met just days ago.

Athleta have been sure of a final place since the Championship Pool had barely started.

The final score in the match was harsh on Siggiewi given that they were on a tied score midway through the last session.

The two sides fielded the same teams as in their last match.

Athleta took the opening lead on a 5-1 score but Siggiewi drew level. Athleta then took command and made up a good 12-2 run ending with a Michael Naudi triple.

Siggiewi recovered well and a couple of hoops started them off on another useful 11-5 run with Omar Said grabbing a trey for Athleta and Marco Matijevic making all of Siggiewi’s last points including a triple when Athleta’s lead was whittled down.

In the second session Lee Ross netted a Siggiewi trey as they went to a point behind. Athleta responded with a three basket spread before Ross connected again with a triple. Athleta extended their advantage but Matijevic was back for Siggiewi and Adrian Micallef free throws completed a 9-0 run when Siggiewi overturned the score. Athleta regained their advantage before the interval buzzer on a 34-31 scoreline.

After the break, Siggiewi lost no time to draw level with an Eman Xuereb triple but Athleta began swinging the ball better and opened up another lead.

Then it was a case of Siggiewi making free shots and Athleta replying through baskets for the latter to hold a better advantage. Siggiewi couldn’t get any nearer and with a session to go Athleta were on a 47-41 favourable score.

Free shots kept Athleta buoyant until Micallef nailed a Siggiewi triple and his side went on a 7-0 run and the score was tied yet again. When Athleta prised open another lead this time it was on a sound 10-0 run with a second naudi trey.

Siggiewi couldn’t rally back especially after Athleta had added on a further 10-3 run with triples at either end Kristin Baldacchino for the winners and Matijevic for Siggiewi.

Siggiewi: 5 P. Shoults J. Doughty 4 E. Xuereb 2 A. Borg 11 A. Micallef 6 L. Ross K. Borg J. Jetson, 29 M. Matijevic

Athleta: 16 M. Naudi J. Zammit C. Galea E. Bezzina 14 D. Schembri 10 O. Said 13 A. Bonnici, 14 K. Baldacchino A. Ryan 5 S. Schembri

Referees: JP Sammut E. Mangani A. Carbonaro