Hibernians and Gzira Athleta will contest the best-of-5 BOV Basketball Playoff final commencing on the 6th May 2018. Gzira and Hibernians overcame Cynergi Depiro and BUPA Luxol respectively with a 2-0 win in the best of 3 semifinal to book their slot in the final.
Paul Sultana, President of the Malta Basketball Association and Peter Perotti, Chief Officer at Bank of Valletta addressed the media in the presence of Ray Muscat and Jon Feiler, Gzira Athleta's Head Coach and foreign player, with Nadia Vella and Chad Patus, Club secretary and foreign player respectively represented Hibernians.
"The top two teams in the regular season will this year be contesting the final," said Paul Sultana. "Hibernians have already added the St James Shield, the Louis Borg Cup and the BOV Knockout to their tally this season while Athleta are still looking for the first award of the season, while topping the league standings during the regular season."
"Hibernians have not won the title since 1990 with the team not competing for a number of years," said Nadia Vella. "However this year, we have built a strong team that has won 3 out of the 4 awards this season and we are looking to carry this momentum into the final."
"The team has grown and bonded during the season and we are looking to add the most prestigious title of the year to our tally," said Chad Patus. "Although we have already won 3 titles this season, the team is still hungry for more success and it is our wish to bring back the title after a 27 year drought."
"Even though we were at the top of the table during the regular season, this now has no weight and we start the playoffs on an even footing," said Athleta coach Ray Muscat. "We have faced Hibenians 6 times this season, with four win coming out way. The combination of experienced players and young blood in our team will look to overcome the superior height of our opponents and win us our 11th title."
"All our encounters with Hibs this season have been of a very high level, increasing in intensity as the season progressed with the teams peaking for the playoffs," said Jon Feiler.
"This is the first final that I am playing in Malta, and although the pressure is present, I am sure that the experience in my college years, together with the talent of my team mates will produce basketball that can bring us the title."
"Basketball has always been about the play-offs and we are proud to once again be partnering with the Malta Basketball Association for the highlight of the season," said Peter Perotti. 2As has now become customary, Bank of Valletta will also present a trophy to the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the final series, as selected by a panel of specialised sports media."
The Final Playoff matches as follows
Game 1
Sunday 6th May - 4.15pm
Game 2
Wednesday 9th May - 6.30pm
Game 3
Sunday 13th May - 4.15pm
Game 4
Wednesday 16th May - 7.30pm
Game 5
Sunday 20th May - 4.15pm