Floriana Euro. Peugeot 69

Vida Siggiewi 59

(17-12)(14-17)(15-17)(23-13)

After their setback against Athleta, Floriana were again on the winning track obtaining their fourth win over Siggiewi in as many matches. Siggiewi overcame a quiet start and were leading in the last session but some Floriana forcing and triples gave the new champions their victory.

Floriana were a reduced side with four absentees as Steve Sammut ended his suspension. Siggiewi kept on their resolve in giving their young players more time on court leaving out seasoned players.

A 9-2 start pushed the Greens in front with an Ian Mercieca triple. Siggiewi replied with a Noel Falzon trey and more triples went in Rihards Polis and Chris Sammut made theirs for Floriana and Clayton Agius sank his for Siggiewi.

In the second period Siggiewi had four advantages in all with Eman Vella and Agius putting in more treys. Floriana ‘s response came in between their opponents’leads and late in the session it was Sammut who helped the Greens to go in at the interval on a slight advantage at 31-29 also with his triple.

After the break Floriana’s triples kept them ahead of their adversaries as Sammut Jeremy Curmi and Neville Mercieca made their treys. When Siggiewi reacted they had Petar Vulovic and Falzon making their triples with the last one bringing the two teams level at 46-46.

Siggiewi went ahead in the last period but another spate of triples had the Greens opening up a good lead as Sammut again Mercieca and Joseph Tanti made their treys count. Siggiewi could only share the rest of the encounter and Floriana coasted through to their win.

Floriana: 32 Chris Sammut, 9 Rihards Polis, 9 Neville Mercieca, 7 Ian Mercieca, 5 Jeremy Curmi, 5 Jospeh Tanti, 2 Omar Shamala

Siggiewi: 23 Petar Vulovic, 12 Clayton Agius, 10 Kris Farrugia, 9 Noel Falzon, 3 Eman Vella, 2 Gabriel Agius

Referees: E. Mangani, L. Camilleri

In-form Suns claim another victory

Bell Net SN Suns 83

Mellieha Tritones 65

(20-18)(12-17)(24-22)(27-8)

Suns’ victorious march keeps going on with a heady seventh win in eight matches. They were involved in a high scoring game along with Mellieha also noted for their flambuoyant play.

The two sides were evenly matched and were still close to each other in the last period but Suns then stormed forward leaving Mellieha well behind in a matter of minutes.

Suns had Igor Marjanovic back on court and Mellieha had to do without Reuben Abela and Ervin Farrugia.

Suns went into an early lead with a Michael Barberi triple but Mellieha had Oliver Sammut twice and Sassoun Saakian making their treys to overturn the score. A three basket spread put Suns back in the lead. as Barberi made more hoops.

In the second period Mellieha tied the score but another trio of hoops pushed Suns ahead. Mellieha’s reply had them just behind on points and then they struck in the latter part of the session with a 9-0 run and another Sammut triple for a 35-32 halftime advantage.

After the break a 10-0 run had Suns in front once more. Mellieha took time but managed to level the score. Johann Farrugia’s triple pushed Suns into another lead but it was Mellieha just in front on 57-56 with a fourth Sammut trey when the last period began.

Mellieha held on to their advantage until Marjanovic began a personal run which then went up to a solid14-0 one. Mellieha could only muster a single hoop and Suns ended the match on a further 9-0 run with a final Robert Camilleri triple.

Suns: 19 Igor Marjanovic, 18 Hubert Agius, 17 Michael Barberi, 13 Robert Camilleri, 7 Johann Farrugia, 7 Reno Camilleri, 2 Robert Mercieca

Mellieha: 23 Sassoun Saakian, 16 Oliver Sammut, 15 Joshua Aquilina, 5 Michael Camilleri, 3 Hilary Fenech, 2 Matthew Cauchi

Referees: G. Barbara, A. Carbonaro