Recap

SiGMA Depiro cruised past league strugglers Tigers BT on Sunday to get back to winning ways after their Friday defeat to Luxol Sherries Estates.

Tigers BT started the game with early determination, answering Depiro’s initial lead as Matthew Brown and Jerson Jagna combined to put Tigers ahead 16-7 by the five-minute mark. Serge Hamparsoumian, making his debut after a summer move, found his rhythm quickly, contributing with free throws and layups in the paint, helping the Tigers maintain a narrow lead.

Depiro’s David Bugeja and Sean responded, tightening the gap and launching Depiro into a fierce comeback. Alessio Trapani and Nikola Bozovic combined for crucial three-pointers in the second quarter, swinging the game to Depiro’s favour at 28-31. Despite a strong showing from Jhun Jhun Lisondra and Hamparsoumian’s steady free-throw shooting, Depiro’s lead grew through sharp shooting from Luca Stefanovic, who closed the half with a three-pointer, leaving Tigers trailing 39-43.

The third quarter saw Depiro break away, establishing a double-digit lead. Dominic Tomasi and Bozovic drove fast breaks and capitalised on Tigers’ turnovers, extending the margin to 47-60. David Bugeja’s back-to-back scores and Galea’s three-pointer then put Depiro in a commanding position. A string of layups and jump shots saw the deficit widen to 47-82 as the third quarter drew to a close, with Depiro holding an overwhelming lead.

In the final quarter, Tigers BT made a valiant push with Hamparsoumian showing character in the paint and at the free-throw line, reaching a personal tally of 28 points. However, Depiro’s depth proved too strong. Niksa Zivkovic and Miguel Brincat added points through fast breaks and accurate shooting, pushing Depiro’s lead past the 40-point mark. Lisondra and Michel Jalkh contributed late for the Tigers, but it was too little, too late as Depiro closed out the game comfortably for the victory.