Recap

Athleta took the spoils against Hibernians as the BOV Men’s Division One championship returned for another round. Sunday’s clash between Athleta and Hibernians was considered a bottom-of-the-table contest in recent years. However, it is far from the case this season as both sides look revitalised.

Hibs’ Ivan Demcesen, who continued his run of 20+ point games, opened proceedings 40 seconds into the game, but Piotr Stelmach hit from three-point range to give Athleta their first lead.

Nick Brennen hit one of two freethrows to level the score early on, making amends with a three-ball. However, Stelmach was accurate again to reply with one himself.

A Hibernians 6-1 run gave them a five-point lead but Athleta were back level after a Malik Riddle layup and a Matthew Gouder three-ball.

This tit-for-tat continued with Riddle switching leads with another three two minutes away from the first buzzer. Hix put his side back ahead before two Riddle scores kept up the tension, but Demcesen had the final say to send the two sides to their benches at 26-25.

Athleta’s defence came into play in the second rubber as Christos Kousidis’s clan restricted Hibs to outside shots while Stelmach and Riddle kept up their effective scoring in the paint. Luca Stefanovic gave the Maroons the lead, but Brennen was on hand to maintain Hibs’ lead with impressive play.

Midway through the quarter, Moorer took over with several rebounds which eventually led to his 13-point, 10-rebound double-double. However, it was just a one-point difference once more as the first half finished with Athleta in the lead.

Stefanovic opened the second half scoring with a drive through the Hibs defence and this kickstarted Athleta’s charge leading to full points from a Riddle and-one to give the Maroons a 10-point lead with 5.42 to go in the third quarter. Hibs attempted to fight back but could only manage to regroup before the final quarter eight points behind.

With the final 3.36 to go, Athleta were up to their highest lead of 15 points after a Juan Cefai triple and they maintained their advantage, ending the game 10 points ahead of the closest rivals for a long-wished-for playoff spot.