Pembroke erased Luxol’s lead in the series, as they made the second match their own, bringing the two teams towards a fourth encounter. Luxol never recovered from a stuttering start, and Pembroke could exercise control over most of the match.

Both teams played with the same formations from their last game. Pembroke were the first to open the score, but Luxol replied to go 6-5 in front. A 7-0 run gave Pembroke the lead back, and although Luxol reacted, it was Michael Naudi and his personal points, in a 9-2 run, including a trey, that helped his side to a good first session lead.

In the second quarter an Etienne Bezzina trey opened Pembroke’s lead further, but the Violets played some flowing moves, and a 10-4 run brought them close enough. Pembroke had Adrian Micallef in good shooting form, but Luxol’s short players made the necessary work, as they went yet nearer to their opponents. At the end of the session Jeffrey Gatt made a couple of close range hoops, to put Pembroke on a 38-31 lead at the interval.

After the break Luxol were unable to keep up the pressure, and Pembroke’s Etienne Bezzina sank another trey, in an 11-2 run, as they established a 49-35 advantage. Luxol had Steve Schembri’s free shots as a reply, but Pembroke had their lead to fall back on, and after three sessions it was a 53-42 game, but with Michael Naudi on the bench, having twisted his ankle a few minutes before.

In the last quarter, Pembroke hit Luxol again, to increase their lead yet further, as Silvio Cassar went out on fouls for Luxol. The Violets had a reply, but they could only go back to their original deficit, on a 51-62 score. From then on it was Pembroke once again in the driving seat, picking up a 14-0 run, to put the game definitely beyond Luxol’s reach, and the match petered out with Pembroke riding high.

Luxol: 16 Steve Schembri, 12 Dirk Schembri, 12 Silvio Cassar

Pembroke: 19 Michael Naudi, 18 Etienne Bezzina, 17 Adrian Micallef

Referees: Emanuel Mangani, Stephen Micallef

Hamrun only one game away from reaching final

Siggiewi Smina 53 vs Hamrun L. Go Mobile 74

(9-17, 13-13, 9-23, 22-21)

The champions improved on their bonus win, and now they are only a game away from defending the league title won last year. Siggiewi were full of energy, but it wasn’t enough against Liberty’s guile, and as the game progressed Siggiewi fell further and further behind.

Siggiewi had new signing Ian Mercieca back from abroad. The champions started off with a 7-2 run, including a couple of treys. Siggiewi took time to settle down, but Hamrun didn’t take advantage, and Siggiewi stayed close. It was only at the end of the session that Liberty edged away, for a better score.

In the second quarter, although Siggiewi netted a Michael Barberi trey, it was Hamrun who extended their lead to a 23-12 score. Siggiewi recovered with a 7-2 run, but Liberty still had control over the game, and a slight burst at the end of the session pushed them just enough to keep their first session lead. At the interval it was a 30-22 game.

After the break Siggiewi tried to hurry things up, but Hamrun calmly assessed the situation, and an 11-2 run increased their lead. Siggiewi’s reaction only brought a balance in play, but Hamrun sneaked in an 8-0 run, with a David Camilleri trey. After three sessions Liberty’s lead had gone up to a 53-31 score.

In the final quarter, Hamrun were still not content at first, and went into a maximum 62-35 advantage. They then became wasteful, and Siggiewi had the occasion to run up a 12-0 break. They were still quite a way behind, and Liberty could improve on their lead again. Anthony Huizer was sent off for pushing an opponent, and there was little time left, when Hamrun’s Jide Jetson poured in personal points.

Siggiewi: 14 Louis Camilleri, 11 John Doughty

Hamrun: 17 Jide Jetson, 16 David Camilleri, 14 Omar Said, 13 Addison Bonnici

Referees: Jean Paul Sammut, Gordon Barbara

The third semi final games in the series will be played today.