Qormi Kia 71

Valletta Ballera 53

Valletta were given a rude awakening, with a comprehensive Qormi victory, their second over the Citizens this season. True to say, it was only after Ivan Riolo’s exit from the court that Qormi could start to dictate play, as they returned to winning ways, after their semi final K.O. defeat by St. James. Valletta were shocked into submission in the final quarter, as Keith Sultana, just recently returned from a long-term injury, let loose with his phenomenal running, and his fast breaks had the Citizens bowing their head in defeat.

Qormi were still without Vince Spiteri and Adrian Baldacchino, and Valletta’s Nello Xuereb was abroad.

Don Ross set the ball rolling for Valletta, with a trey from the start, but Qormi had more than an adequate reply, as a long 12-2 run pushed them into a lead. It was Ivan Riolo with another trey for Valletta, as they slightly reduced their deficit, till the end of the session.

In the second quarter the Citizens did not take long to go in front once more, with a trio of hoops, and although Qormi jumped back ahead, it was Valletta with an 8-2 run, and a second Riolo trey, for a 24-20 advantage. Qormi tied the score, but Matthew Shoults’ trey kept the Citizens in the lead till the interval, despite Qormi’s two late hoops, on a slim 29-28 score.

After the break a Roberto Formosa trey tied the score early in the session. Valletta then had their setback, as Riolo retired with a calf injury. A second Shoults trey kept the Citizens buoyant for some time, as they managed to share the play. A Carlos Bugeja trey started a 9-2 run for Qormi, as they took a useful lead, and after three sessions they were 48-43 in front.

In the final quarter Don Ross’ hoop at the start found a ready reply, as Qormi put in a 7-0 run, with a second Formosa trey.

Valletta sought to make up the leeway, but Qormi stood firm, and late in the game, with Valletta intent on attack, they were punished by Keith Scicluna, with his fast breaks, in a personal 10-0 run. Don Ross’ second trey was insignificant, as the match was then already won and lost.

Qormi: 22 Keith Scicluna, 17 Roberto Formosa, 10 Joshua Anastasi

Valletta: 19 Don Ross, 12 Matthew Shoults, 10 Ivan Riolo

Referees:Stephen Micallef, Alfred Carbonaro

Standings:

9 points - Qormi Kia (4-1); Bell Med SN Suns (4-1); 7 points- St. James Hospital (2-3): 6 points- Valletta Ballers (2-2); 5 points- Mosta (0-5)