Gzira Athleta 59 Hibernians 67
(10-16, 12-11, 15-19, 22-21)
The Paolites had to play second fiddle, in the opening final of the series, but this time around the tables were turned. It was Athleta chasing their opponents, except for a brief few seconds, midway through the second session, when Athleta were in front, in the only time in the match. Hibs were a bit hesitant, in their defeat, but they made amends in this second final. Although they had to play for quite a while without their Spaniard, Alvaro Lizaur, who still finished as the game's top scorer, even if he was fouled out. Another impact was made, when Matthew Gouder came off the bench, for Athleta, after the interval, and he caused quite a few headaches to the Hibs' rear-guard, even if he finished on the losing side. The Paolites' victory, their third over Athleta this season, but they also lost five times, was their first after four losses.
Hibs set the pace from early on, with Athleta replying, to cut down on their deficit. Lizaur was the protagonist for Hibs, as he also netted a triple. Athleta went to within a hoop, but two late Hobs baskets gave them a better advantage. In the second session Feiler brought Athleta level, with a personal three hoop spread. Hibs regained their lead, only to lose it again. Athleta were only in front for a few seconds, with the Paolites putting in a 9-2 run, with another Lizaur trey. Omar Said netted a late Athleta hoop, but Hibs were ahead, at the interval, on a 27-22 score.
After the break Hibs still had their noses in front, as Roderick Vella sank a triple. A good spell for the Paolites brought about a heavy 13-2 run, with Vella and Luke Farrugia triples, as they obtained a maximum advantage. Athleta answered back, with a session ending 7-2 run, and an Ivan Mitrovic trey, but Hibs still held a good 46-37 lead. In the last quarter Athleta took little time to draw nearer, but Chad Patus sank a Hibs trey. Athleta's efforts, to get within reach, found a stumbling block, with another Lizaur triple. Athleta reacted with a three-hoop spread, but Farrugia pushed the Paolites forward once more, with his second trey. More Feiler points had Athleta getting nearer, with Lizaur sitting on the bench. There was not much time left, and Hibs dealt the killing blow, as they converted their free throws, to draw enough away, when Athleta had to concede defeat.
The third match in the series is on, for next Sunday, with the winning team making a decisive stride towards the league pennant.
Athleta: M. Naudi 7, B. Zammit, K. Liivamagi, P. Shoults 2, L. Stefanovic, F. Mifsud Bonnici, O. Said 7, M. Gouder 11, N. Xuereb 2, S. Vincic, I. Mitrovic 7, J. Feiler 23
Hibs: R. Vella 10, P. Attard, K. Sultana, L. Farrugia 6, S. Attard, I. Bonett, L.Tardito, A. Axiaq 2, M. Matijevic 9, A. Lizaur 24, F. Mariani 1, C. Patus 15
Referees: B. Vassallo, E. Mangani, Z. Dobrosavljevic