WILLIE VASSALLO

It was an intriguing match, in which Compleet demonstrated their unity in play, after several years of playing together, despite missing players. Bupa promised much at first, but then had to struggle against an organised side, who had several options in their play. Bupa could fare better once their foreigner settled down in his play, but against Compleet’s strong rearguard it was only in the initial stages that they could find the way to the basket through efficient zone play.

Compleet had Roderick Mifsud in their ranks, but were misssing Omar Said and Duncan Cuschieri. Bupa upgraded Tom Paris and Sean Mizzi, and had new signing, the domiciled Marko Matijevic. They are still awaiting Alan Borg to end his long suspension.

Compleet went in front on a 5-0 score, with an Adrian Micallef trey, but Bupa had an adequate reply, as they compiled a 9-0 run, with a Steve Schembri trey. Compleet could only gain free throws, and a further two hoops for Bupa extended their lead.

In the second quarter, after another Bupa hoop, Compleet found their touch, and a 10-0 run, with an Etienne Bezzina trey, put them in front. Bupa did manage to tie the score, but Compleet went ahead once more, with a Kristinn Baldacchino trey, and added more points before Steve Schembri replied for Bupa. At the interval Compleet led 23-19.

After the break Bupa fell further behind, but recovered to 25-29 down. Compleet’s Etienne Bezzina netted a couple of treys, with a reply from Robert Azzopardi. Bupa went to within a basket, at 33-35, but Michael Naudi came up with personal points, including a trey. Bupa recovered agian, but they were still 39-44 behind, after three sessions.

Hoops by Naudi and Tino Riolo pushed Compleet to a handsome lead in the last quarter, before Bupa replied with Robert Azzopardi treys, for a 45-51 score. Compleet held on to their lead, and struck at the opportune moment, with treys by Baldacchino and Bezzina, not giving Bupa time to stage a final comeback.

Compleet: 18 M. Naudi, J. Zammit, C. Callus, 14 E. Bezzina, J. Galea, 4 T. Riolo, 18 A. Micallef, 8 K. Baldacchino, 4 S. Cassar, R. Mifsud

Bupa: R. Dalli, 3 M. Mercieca, 16 R. Azzopardi, M. Micallef, S. Mizzi, 4 A. Bianchi, M. Bonnici, T. Paris, 7 D. Schembri, E. Caruana Montaldo, 17 M. Matijevic, 7 S. Schembri

Referees: Bernard Vassallo, Jean Paul Sammut