Recap

Starlites JSD put up a solid showing to cruise past Tigers BT on Saturday. Paul Ferrante’s clan remain firmly on course for a top-three regular season finish, while rookie team Tigers BT continue their search for a breakthrough win.

The Malta champions wasted no time asserting their dominance, opening the game with a blistering 6-0 run courtesy of inside finishes from Chris Paul and Max Curran. Tigers BT briefly responded through an Albert Varacallo three-pointer, but Starlites continued to dictate the tempo. Curran was relentless in transition, converting layups off turnovers before knocking down a pair of free throws. Kai Fabri and Matthew Scerri added to the offensive onslaught, and by the final minute of the quarter, Curran drilled back-to-back three-pointers before soaring for a fast-break dunk. Starlites finished the first quarter firmly in control at 33-14.

The second quarter saw the Naxxar side extend their advantage early, with Ian Felice Pace and Scerri draining consecutive three-pointers. Tigers BT’s Kendall Jordan and Varacallo fought to keep their side competitive, but Curran remained an unstoppable force, adding to his tally with another three-pointer and a layup inside. Varacallo attempted to spark a response with successive long-range efforts, trimming the deficit to 14 points at one stage, but Starlites had all the answers. Curran found his rhythm once more with a putback jumper before finishing strong inside, sending Starlites into halftime leading 51-37.

After the break, Curran picked up where he left off, scoring immediately on the fast break. Tigers BT relied on outside shooting from Varacallo and Andre Attard, but they struggled to contain Starlites’ offensive efficiency. Sean Aquilina and Paul stretched the margin with timely three-pointers before Paul and Scerri converted from close range. Curran continued to dominate, finishing another fast-break opportunity with a floating jump shot and adding free throws to his tally. With Scerri contributing from deep and Felice Pace steady at the line, Starlites closed the third quarter with an emphatic 85-48 lead.

The final period was a mere formality as Starlites maintained their relentless pace. Fabri struck from beyond the arc, while Curran continued to punish Tigers BT in transition. Jordan fought hard for the Tigers, reaching 20 points, but their first win of the season remained elusive. As the final minutes played out, Starlites’ depth shone, with multiple players getting on the scoresheet. Paul capped off the dominant performance with a late layup, sealing a comprehensive victory.