Tata Motors Loyola 48

A to Z Elec. Athleta 80

(5-28)(18-11)(8-25)(17-16)

Athleta swept over Loyola, and the defeat by Siggiewi, which rankled them, is now behind them. Loyola were hit hard from the start, and the advantage which Athleta obtained served them well, as they could control the rest of the encounter without undue difficulties, even when bench players were on court. It was a day of grace for Omar Said, as he grabbed his points, and sank his triples.

Loyola were without David Camilleri, and Clayton Calleja remained on the bench or Athleta, who also were without Etienne Bezzina.

Both sides took time to settle down, and then Athleta were the first to go forward, as they managed to make up a long 15-0 run, when Steve Schembri netted a triple, followed soon after with two more from Said.

Loyola had Jovan Mihailovic to start them off, but Athleta made a positive ending to the period, with a 9-0 run, and a third triple from Said. The second session was a different matter, as Billy Zammit netted an 8-0 personal run, with a couple of treys.

Athleta reacted, but Loyola were still putting in their hoops, and shared the points with their adversaries. Athleta had enough of a comfortable advantage till the interval, on a 39-23 score.

After the break Loyola’s opening hoop was followed by Athleta stealing balls, and making an 8-0 run. When Loyola stoped their opponents, Said continued with his tally, and also sank two more triples. Athleta mustered a solid 16-1 run in all, swinging far ahead, before Zammit potted another triple for Loyola. When the final period began Athleta were on a 69-31 advantage. Loyola were being taken to task, even then, and fell further behind, on a double score against. Athleta kept up some more pressure, but in the later stages they relaxed, and Loyola grittily came up with a game ending 11-0 run, mainly from Anton Axiaq and Joshua Anastasi.

Loyola: S. Pace, 15 B. Zammit, 2 S. Borg, 1 G. Cuschieri, M. Cilia, S. Vella, 6 A. Axiaq 10, J. Mihailovic, 8 J. Anastasi, 2 J. Ransley, 4 A. Tabone

Athleta: 10 M. Naudi, 6 J. Zammit, C. Galea, 15 D. Schembri, 28 O. Said, 9 A. Bonnici, 3 K. Baldacchino, A. Ryan, 9 S. Schembri

Referees: B. Vassallo, G. Barbara, E. Mangani