Men’s Knock-Out final postponed due to ongoing investigation

The Malta Basketball Association (MBA) announced on Wednesday the postponement of the men’s Knock-Out final between Hibernians and Mellieha Libertas, a game which was supposed to be played on Thursday (tip-off: 15.45).

The announcement, made through a statement by the association early in the afternoon, clarified that this was done in light of the ongoing investigation following the regular-season game between Hibs and Depiro BC on Saturday.

“The Malta Basketball Association notifies that the Men’s Knock-Out final between Hibernians and Mellieha Libertas Spalding, scheduled to take place tomorrow, Thursday 31st March 2022 has been postponed to a later date,” the statement read.

“The decision has been taken in view of the ongoing proceedings in relation to the Men’s National League match between Hibernians and Depiro, played last Saturday.”

Both Hibs and Depiro have been summoned to appear in front of the MBA council on Wednesday after the association opened an investigation Monday on the performance and behavior shown by the two sets of players in the closing stages of the game.

The incident, which took place for the final six minutes of the game, refers to the way both sets of players failed to score a single point as well as committing numerous violations and turnovers.

Hibernians have since denied any wrongdoing in a statement, while Depiro distanced themselves from the behavior shown.