Phoenix Qormi Mendoza 25
Starlites Sports Experience 47
(4-8, 9-14, 7-12, 5-13)
The game between the two sides still without a win went Starlites’ way as they lifted themselves from the bottom place in the standings. Qormi were in with a shout until just before the interval but Starlites then breezed away and assured themselves completely in the last period with a heavy victory.
Phoenix had a full complement of players for this match. Starlites had Dorien Jaeger from Athleta and Lara Pisani was back after a couple of years’ inactivity. Christine Spiteri and Marie Claire Cilia were missing.
Starlites made the better start when they slowly built up an 8-2 lead with a couple of Ariana grixti hoops. Qormi managed to pull a basket back but Starlites were still holding on to their advantage on a low score opening session.
Qormi were on level terms in the second period with a brace of Nicola Said hoops. Starlites went back ahead with a small 6-2 run and Jaeger baskets. Said nailed a triple for Qormi as they went to within a point. Starlites rallied in the latter stages and made up an 8-0 run mainly from Samantha Tabone to lead 22-13 at the interval.
After the break, Qormi made a quick hoop but then Starlites opened up their advantage further with a 10-0 run mainly from Tabone hoops which had them on a comfortable lead.
Qormi took time and till the end of the period they crept back a little but they were yet 20-34 in arrears.
In the last session Qormi tried for a quick recovery but it didn’t work out and Starlites made the match their own with a solid 11-0 run and Amanda Farrugia free shots.
There was only time for a lone Qormi free throw as Starlites registered their first league win.
Phoenix: M. Abela, 4 V. Agius, F. Micallef, 6 C. Gauci Meilaq, D. Zammit, M. Agius, 13 N. Said, MR Agius, 2 H. Potigny, CM Vella, A. Camilleri, L. Mifsud
Starlites: 14 A. Farrugia, 4 C. Riolo, 8 A. Grixti, 10 S. Tabone, S. Cutajar, 6 D. Jaeger, L. Pisani, L. Pirotta, N. Attard, S. Davis, 3 C. Scicluna, 2 M. Cutajar
Referees: E. Mangani, J. Mangani