SN Suns 58

Floriana 48

(13-12) (11-9) (20-13) (14-14)

Suns pulled off another seasonal win over Floriana, their second in four matches, as they kept their hopes alive for a playoff spot.

The Greens slumped to another defeat, and their chances of overtaking Qormi at the top took a nosedive. Suns led from start to finish as Floriana, except for a brief space in the opening session, were continually running after their opponents.

It was still close at the start, as Suns made an 8-0 run in two sessions, but Floriana came back to draw level, only for Suns’ Mark Schembri to sink a trey, and Suns were leading 24-21 at the interval.

The third session, after the break, saw Suns breaking ahead, and although Floriana tried hard to get back, Suns always found space to make their hoops, and keep the Greens at arms’ distance.

After three sessions it was 44-34.

The final quarter saw Floriana producing free shots to halve their deficit but Suns recovered and Angelo Bautick’s points served to increase Suns’ lead again and Floriana had no time left to make up the leeway. It was Suns’ fourth league victory in nine games.

Suns: 18 Norbert Borg, 12 Angelo Bautick

Floriana: 18 Adrian Baldacchino, 18 Michael Amaira

Referees: Carlo Farrugia, Joe Borg

Mosta 58

Qormi Kia 64

(10-19) (12-18) (13-15) (23-12)

Mosta’s positive run came to an end as league leaders Qormi extended their lead at the top of the table. It was Qormi’s fourth win over Mosta in four games. Qormi’s bright start helped them on to a good lead, and they kept on in the second quarter, as Mosta were kept at bay. At the interval it was Qormi on a 37-22 advantage.

After their break Qormi were still holding on as Mosta were thwarted in their endeavours to get within striking distance, although Sassoon Saakian and Ray Muscat were getting the points. After three sessions it was a 52-37 match.

The last quarter saw Mosta come back with a bang. A 13-0 run with consecutive Ray Muscat points made it a close game, with Mosta at 50-54 in arrears.

Qormi held out, and managed to increase their lead again. Mosta replied with their treys but it was too late as Qormi had enough of a lead to pull through. Now Qormi are fully three wins ahead at the stakes.

Mosta: 30 Ray Muscat

Qormi: 16 Antoine Grech, 14 Keith Scicluna, 14 Jason Dalli

Referees: Stephen Micallef, Gordon Barbara