Floriana 56

Qormi Kia 66

(13-17)(9-16)(22-18)(12-15)

Qormi now have a better average than Floriana, having won three games to their opponents’ two. This is Qormi’s second final this season, having lost to the same Floriana in the Shield.

This time Qormi had a bright start with an 8-0 run, and they didn’t look back. Floriana recovered till the end of the session, but were hit again, with a 13-2 soon afterwards and by the time the interval had arrived it was Qormi in front on a 33-22 score.

After the break Qormi’s treys helped them to a maximum 43-29 lead, but the Greens rallied bravely, and a 13-3 run brought them to just four down. By the end of the session Qormi’s lead improved slightly, to a 51-44 score.

In the final quarter Floriana fell further back, but they recovered, going to a 52-60 down. In their quest to gain possession they rewarded Qormi with free shots and Jason Dalli sank a couple of hoops to make the issue safe. Floriana’s last efforts only helped to push them nearer, but not enough.

Floriana: 19 Michael Amaira, 12 Roberto Formosa

Qormi: 23 Antoine Grech, 11 Keith Scicluna, 11 Trevor Grech.

Referees: Stephen Micallef, Alfred Baldacchino.

Mosta 57

SN Suns 45

(4-8)(6-9)(22-12)(25-16)

Mosta kept up their recent positive streak, as they progressed to the final, against Qormi, but they had a very negative start.

In fact it was a poor start by both teams. And a miserable 8-4 first session score. Things didn’t improve in the second session despite Suns treys, which kept their lead till the end of the first part of the match, and at the interval it was a low 17-10 lead for Suns.

After the break the situation changed and after Suns held out for some time, keeping a 28-18 lead.

Mosta suddenly clicked into gear, and a 14-0 run, as the treys started pouring in, gave them their final lead. After three sessions they were 32-29 in front.

Mosta’s treys continued in the last quarter, as they improved on their lead. Sun’s reaction wasn’t that decisive and Mosta could hold out.

At the end both sides registered other treys but Mosta’s lead was always safe, as they made it to the final.

Mosta: 22 Oliver Sammut, 12 Ray Muscat.

Suns: 12 Reno Camilleri, 12 Angelo Bantick.

Referees: Stephen Micallef, Steve Gouder.