‘Starlites 2nd Division’ continued with the dominance of the BOV Basketball Amateur League winning the BOV Basketball Amateur League KO Competition following their success in the John Tabone Amateur Shield earlier this season.

Starlites beat Depiro Hoops 68-46 in the final of this competition to lift the coveted trophy.

Starlites took the early initiative to open a 12-6 lead within the first three minutes of play. Depiro responded with a 10-point run to go 4 points clear at 16-12 with 2 minutes to go in the first session. Starlites clawed back 6 points including an L Riolo trey to close the first session 18-16.

Starlites' Sultana got the first 5 points of the second session to make it 23-16 while proving very effective under the offensive board. Starlites continued to pressure the opponents leading 36-26 at the halfway mark.

Depiro tried to close the gap forcing shots from the distance but failed to make inroads into Starlites' lead who created open spaces to increase their advantage and closing the third session with a solid 16-point lead at 58-42

Starlites controlled the pace of the last session with Depiro conceding numerous unforced errors while trying to unsuccessfully close the gap. Starlites continued to outscore their opponents ending the game 68-46.

Ernest Agius, Chief Officer at Bank of Valletta and Paul Sultana, President of the Malta Basketball Association presented the BOV Basketball Amateur Division Knockout Trophy to Starlites’ captain Miguel Falzon.

Alex Sultana was voted Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Final, and presented with a commemorative trophy.

Bank of Valletta’s long-term partnership with the Malta Basketball Association aims to inspire the next generation of players to help grow the sport, promote physical health, and foster a sense of community. The two associations are celebrating important milestones in their operations this year, with BOV its 50 years of operations and the MBA celebrating their 60th Anniversary. They have both left significant impact in their respective areas.