Pembroke Athleta 66
BUPA Luxol 49
(14-12)(11-14)(19-12)(22-11)
Pembroke made amends for their Shield final defeat at the hands of Luxol, when they broke free in the final quarter, to claim the Super Cup. It was close throughout, as Luxol even managed a lead at times, but it was to no avail, as Pembroke held firm to earn their first seasonal honour.
The two teams made a fast start as Pembroke had an early lead, Luxol tried to overtake but they were held off by Pembroke, as Etienne Bezzina made hoops to keep his side in front. The difference wasn’t much, but Pembroke kept their noses in front till the end of the session.
Luxol managed to tie the match early in the second quarter, but Pembroke swept back in front, on a good 23-17 advantage. Robert Azzopardi sank a trey for Luxol, as Pembroke tried to keep control, but they were foiled by Luxol’s forays, as the Violets went in front. Michael Naudi missed two free shots in the closing seconds, and Luxol stayed in front, on a 26-25 score, at the interval.
After the break Pembroke jumped in front again although Luxol had a ready reply, with another Azzopardi trey, to lead 31-28. Pembroke struck quickly and Julian Naudi put in two treys of his own, as Pembroke tasted advantage again. Luxol tried hard but Pembroke held fast and some steady play gave them a 44-38 lead after three sessions.
The last quarter produced a telling blow in favour of Pembroke, as they embarked on a 7-0 run with a Don Ross trey. Although Luxol had their treys, Pembroke had their points from Michael Naudi and Jean Paul Azzopardi, to keep them on a good lead.
The time wound down with Pembroke in full control, as they extended their lead, to win the match.
Pembroke: M Naudi 26, J Naudi 6, M Zammit 11, E Bezzina 10, J Galea, T Degiorgio, JP Azzopardi 4, D Cuschieri 2, M Pisani, J Ransley, D Ross 7.
Luxol: A Cremona, M Mercieca 11, R Azzopardi 14, M Micallef, D Schembri 3, B Micallef Trigona 2, M Bonnici 3, R Dalli, A Bianchi 5, E Caruana Montaldo, S Cassar 5, S Schembri 4,
Referees: Carlo Farrugia, Stephen Micallef.