First seasonal victory for Marvels

Victoria Libertas Marvels Power (13-16, 12-5, 14-12, 7-16) 46 49

Marvels finally obtained their first victory of the season as they went alongside the same Libertas now sharing the bottom placing but behind on direct encounter points. They did this after losing their Italian Nicola Guida in the third session with an ankle injury.

Libertas also lost their Italian Nicolo’ Petrucci on fouls in the last period.

Libertas had David Agius and Keith Galea back after missing their last encounter but Emanuel Lupo was abroad. Marvels were without their Hungarian Daniel Verebries.

Marvels obtained the opening lead after a 7-2 run and a Darren Debattista trey. Libertas had Petrucci with a triple but Marvels were still in front. They held on to their advantage with triples by Guida and Debattista again. Michel Farrugia kept Libertas close with his late points.

In the second session, Libertas went ahead for the first time. Marvels regained their advantage but it was Libertas taking another lead through a second Petrucci triple in a 7-2 run as they went in at the interval on a close 25-21 low score.

After the break, Marvels were in front once more after a 7-2 run. Guida went off injured for Marvels and Libertas had Agius with his personal points in a 10-1 run to open up a useful advantage.

Marvels made a couple of hoops but Libertas were 39-33 in front when the last period began.

Marvels obtained another lead as Luke Azzopardi sank a brace of quick treys. Libertas overturned the score again but Marvels netted an 8-0 run with more Azzopardi points and an Andrew Morris triple to carve another advantage.

Two Agius free shots had Libertas a hoop behind but Marvels held on closing down the match with a Christian Briffa free shot for a win which could see them evade the bottom rung of the league ladder.

Libertas: W. Spiteri, M. Farrugia 6, K. Galea, N. Petrucci 11, S. Mizzi 5, P. Caruana, D. Miani 6, V. Barbu, B. Soler, D. Agius 18

Marvels: G. Borg, N. Guida 9, D, Pisani 2, R. Curmi , D. Debattista 6, L. Azzopardi 16, A. Morris 3, C. Briffa 9, D. Borg

Referees: N. Nikolic Azzopardi, V.