Mellieha managed to do the double over Mosta, and now share second place in the table, along with two other teams, including Mosta, who were once again without Steve Gouder and Matthew Bonnici.

It was still Mosta with the better opening, leading 8-4, but Mellieha forced the game to take the lead in the first quarter. Mosta were always breathing down Mellieha’s necks in the second session, but never managed to go in front.

Mellieha held on and at the interval it was a close 21-20 match, with several players on both sides on the scoring sheet.

The third session proved to be Mosta’s downfall. Samuel Aquilina sank his treys, and free throws did the rest, and Mosta, though making a trey by Reuben Abela, found difficulty in adding more points.

A 13-2 run enhanced Mellieha’s advantage, and after three sessions they were leading 36-25.

In the final quarter Mellieha kept up their good work and Mosta were up against it, as their opponents built up an unassailable lead. To their credit Mosta fought back bravely as Ray Muscat discovered his shooting touch.

He netted the game’s last 12 points in a 14-0 ending, which nearly brought dividends, but failed as time ran out on them.

Mosta: 23 Ray Muscat

Mellieha: 14 Graham Coleiro, 12 Samuel Aquilina

Referees: Alfred Carbonaro, Clive Terribile

Loyola made more space between them and wooden-spoonists, Floriana, and getting their third seasonal victory over their opponents.

Loyola had the better opening, with a 7-3 lead, but Floriana not only kept in touch, but managed to forge ahead on more than one occasion.

Loyola held a minimal lead after the first session, and then let loose in the second quarter, in between two treys by the Greens. A 12-0 run gave Loyola a better advantage, but Floriana came back till the interval, reducing their deficit. At half time it was a 33-28 game for Loyola.

After the break the game took a positive stance towards Loyola, as Mark Ransley kept up his good work, and he was joined by Joe Vassallo.

Loyola’s lead increased, and after three sessions they were comfortably ahead, at 47-33.

There was no reply from Floriana at the start of the last session, and a strong 18-1 run, with treys by Trevor Grech and Patrick Lentini, ensured Loyola’s victory.

Floriana rallied again at the end, but they missed Anthony Shoults’ treys, although Glenn Gauci Grech once more proved to be their danger man. This was Loyola’s fourth league victory, and Floriana are still chasing their first seasonal win.

Floriana: 15 Glenn Gauci Grech

Loyola: 27 Jonathan Ransley, 15 Trevor Grech

Referees: Jean Paul Sammut, Alfred Carbonaro

Qormi were surprised by a sprightly Suns side, who went on from their victory over Mellieha, to go on equal second place in the standings, with two other teams, as Qormi were still in front. The losers still enjoy a two-game lead at the top.

They fell behind heavily at first, but although they made up the leeway, they were back in arrears in the latter stages of the match, and couldn’t make it back.

Qormi had Adrian Baldacchino missing, and but recovered Jason Dalli. Michel Curmi was only a spectator for Suns.

Suns had a great start, going 12-0 ahead, before Qormi could put in their contribution, and a Nello Xuereb trey, in a 7-0 run, to make it a closer match.

Suns opened up their lead again in the second session, going on to a 17-9 lead. Qormi’s play improved and they managed to tie the match, with a Wayne Grixti trey. At the end of the quarter the two teams were still locked together on a low 19-19 score.

After the break Qormi took a brief lead, their only one throughout the game. Suns replied with an 8-0 run to jump back ahead.

The play was then shared till the end of the session, as Suns held a 33-27 advantage.

In the last quarter new entry Reuben Baldacchino sank two treys in a row for Qormi, for another tie but Suns were still the more enterprising side. Qormi chased and tied twice more, but Mark Schembri made the necessary hoops for Suns.

Antoine Grech’s trey for Qormi at the end wasn’t enough, and Suns won their first game against Qormi, after three defeats.

Qormi: 11 Wayne Grixti

Suns: 12 Mark Schembri

Referees: Emanuel Mangani, Stephen Micallef

Standings: 18 Qormi Kia (8-2) 16 Mosta (6-4), 16 SN Suns Bell Med (6-4), 16 Mellieha SVS (6-4), 14 Loyola Xuereb Inst. (4-6), 10 Floriana (0-10)