Day: May 12, 2024

Women’s League awaits new champion as Depiro, Luxol face off in finals

After an exciting regular season and an intense playoff semifinal battle, the stage is set for the championship showdown in the MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League.

Depiro, the table-toppers, will square off against Caffe Moak Luxol, a team boasting a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, in a highly anticipated best-of-five series tipping off on Sunday.

Malta Basketball looks at the two sides ahead of the series…

Depiro dominance

Depiro’s journey to the finals has been nothing short of impressive. Buoyed by key acquisitions over the summer, including Maltese internationals Kristy Galea and Sophie Abela, alongside the towering presence of US import centre Jose Ann Johnson, they have soared to the summit of the league.

Coach Adrian Baldacchino’s side showcased remarkable consistency throughout the season, culminating in a triumphant finish atop the standings at the end of the regular season.

Their victory in the MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s Knockout further bolstered their confidence heading into the playoffs.

Leading the charge in scoring are Galea and Johnson, with Abela anchoring their formidable defence. With sharpshooting from Galea, Julia Borg, and Nicole Agius, Depiro poses a multifaceted threat to their opponents, poised to make their mark in the finals.

Luxol’s resurgence

Under the guidance of coach Santino Coppa, Luxol’s resurgence this season has left no doubt that they would be one of the teams challenging for the title again after having won it during the 2021-22 season.

This season’s John Tabone Women’s Shield winners have embarked on a journey blending the wisdom of seasoned players like Josephine Diaby and Mandi Mercieca with the dynamic talents of US import guard Tayler Bennett. Their roster also features promising young talents, including the Fenech Pace trio: Sarah, Anna, and Lisa.

Luxol’s path to the playoff finals saw them dispatching defending champions Starlites JSD in a convincing 2-0 series sweep in the semifinals, showcasing their depth and resilience. Despite encountering setbacks along the way, Luxol’s strategic blend of experience and youth positions them as formidable contenders for the championship title.

As the playoff finals beckon, Depiro will look to maintain their momentum and capitalise on their star-studded lineup, while Luxol aims to leverage their collective experience and youthful exuberance to upset the odds.

Matchups like that between Galea and Bennett will be key for the tie as the pair of dynamic guards have each been pivotal to their team’s offensive strategy so far. Meanwhile, the battle in the paint between dominant centres Johnson and Diaby will be crucial in determining control of the boards.

MAPFRE MSV LIFE WOMEN’S PLAYOFF FINALS PROGRAMME

GAME 1 Depiro vs Caffe Moak Luxol – May 12 (14.00)

GAME 2 Caffe Moak Luxol vs Depiro – May 15 (18.45)

GAME 3 Depiro vs Caffe Moak Luxol – May 19 (14.00)

GAME 4 Caffe Moak Luxol vs Depiro – May 23 (18.15)

GAME 5 Depiro vs Caffe Moak Luxol – May 26 (14.00)

Starlites, Mellieħa Libertas braced for third-straight playoff finals series

The stage is set for an electrifying showdown in the BOV Men’s Division One playoff finals as reigning champions Starlites JSD lock horns with Mellieħa Libertas in a highly anticipated best-of-five series for the third consecutive season.

With both teams sweeping past their opponents in the semifinals, the local basketball community braces itself for a clash of titans.

Malta Basketball looks at the two sides ahead of the series…

Starlites pursue three-peat glory

Starlites’ journey to the finals has been nothing short of dominant. Reigning as the current title holders and seeking their third consecutive championship, Coach Paul Ferrante has orchestrated a season of triumph for his squad. Their path to the playoffs has been paved with success, clinching every major trophy so far this season, including the Super Cup, the John Tabone Shield, and the BOV Division One Knockout.

In the playoff semifinals against fourth-seed SiGMA Depiro, Starlites showcased their mettle by sweeping the series 2-0. Despite facing a formidable opponent, they emerged victorious with scores of 81-76 and 91-82 in two tightly contested encounters, ending Depiro’s impressive winning streak late in the season.

Led by the ever-present Alec Felice Pace – a household name for the Starlites fans – the Naxxar side will be hoping to continue combing the power of US import trio: Kurt James, Davonte Craven and Christian Hinckson with three-point threat Matt Attard and their crop of three-time Under-23 Championship winners.

While the return of Matthew Scerri has been a perfectly timed boost for the team, Starlites announced on Friday that Malta international Kurt Xuereb has also made his way back from his near-season-long injury sustained during the John Tabone Shield.

Mellieħa’s quest for redemption

Mellieħa, on the other hand, have also been a force to be reckoned with throughout the season. Despite finishing second in the regular season after a close battle for the top spot, they showcased their resilience in the semifinals against Athleta, sweeping the series 2-0.

Under the guidance of Coach Ian Terribile, the Northerners displayed their prowess on the court against third-seed Athleta, securing victories with scores of 85-69 and 69-68 in a hard-fought series.

After suffering sweeping defeat at the hands of Starlites in the past two seasons’ finals, Mellieħa is determined to rewrite history and claim the coveted title.

In turn, the team will be banking on their own US triad as Kwame Thompson, Tedrick Wolfe and Alexander Peacock have all been instrumental to Mellieħa’s performances so far. Orchestrating the team’s plays on court will be Malta captain David Bugeja and while the team’s athleticism is Mellieħa’s greatest asset, the return from injury of sharpshooter Vukasin Jandric just in time for their Game One victory against Athleta will certainly be an issue.

The series kicks off on Sunday (tip-off: 16.00).

BOV DIVISION ONE FINALS PROGRAMME

GAME 1 Starlites JSD vs Mellieħa Libertas – May 12 (16.00)

GAME 2 Mellieħa Libertas vs Starlites JSD – May 15 (20.45)

GAME 3 Starlites JSD vs Mellieħa Libertas – May 19 (16.00)

GAME 4 Mellieħa Libertas vs Starlites JSD – May 23 (20.15)

GAME 5 Starlites JSD vs Mellieħa Libertas – May 26 (16.00)