Luxol 78
Phoenix Qormi Mendoza 30
(19-4, 14-14, 23-6, 22-6)
Luxol made practically sure of a place in the last four as they ran up a heavy score against the hapless Phoenix outfit. The latter had their coach expelled very early on in the match but the disparity was already evident between the two sides as the Violets strolled through the match. The second game is now just a formality.
Luxol had Martina Darmanin vice the suspended Beverlee Zammit out for two matches and Leanne Vella was injured. Phoenix had a depleted side with Carina Gauci Meilaq abroad and other players unavailable Martha Abela Ann Camilleri and Daniela Scicluna.
The Violets went into a quick 6-0 lead before Phoenix made their first reply. Soon after, Qormi’s coach Duncan Cilia was dismissed with two technical fouls for comments passed.
Luxol made another 7-0 run and a three basket spread ended the session of play.
Qormi were more adventurous in the second period. They first reacted to Luxol’s points and then they put in a 7-2 run with two Fiona Micallef hoops. Luxol’s next points were offset by Nicola said’s triple for Phoenix. A 7-2 run ended the Violets’ contribution and at the interval they were leading 33-18.
After the break Greta Zarb started Luxol’s long run with her personal points. A 17-2 run left Phoenix far behind. Micallef stopped the Violets with a brace of hoops for Qormi. Till the end of the session Luxol had gone on to a 56-24 advantage.
Phoenix shared the points at the beginning of the last period but it was momentary as the Violets took over once more and some hot pressure gave them a 17-0 run which went on till the end of the match which now renders the return encounter very much insignificant.
Luxol: 11 S. Pace, 12 M. Sciortino, 15 B. Naudi, J. Busuttil Gaerty, 12 G. Zarb, 2 P. Ellul, 4 A. Paul, 6 D. Muscat, 7 L. Chetcuti, 4 C. Baena Medina, 5 M. Darmanin
Qormi: 2 V. Agius, 10 F. Micallef, 2 V. Mifsud Tommasi, 6 M. Agius, 4 N. Said, D. Zammit, 6 H. Potigny, CM Vella
Referees: A. Carbonaro, L. Camilleri