Hibs lost their unbeaten league record, as Depiro made a giant step to fill one of the two playoff places, and they have also progressed to just a point behind the champions. It was a pulsating match, which was decided at the end, but Kaila Agius had already bagged half of her side’s tally, as Depiro came from a heavy deficit, at teh start of the second quarter. Hibs were then floored by the stifling press adopted by Depiro, which brought dividends, as they made up the difference before the final session.

Depiro had Antoinette Borg out with an ankle injury.

The match had a hectic start, as the champions raced into a 6-2 advantage, but Depiro were quick to recover, and a Greta Zarb trey tied the score, at 8-8. Doreen Micallef put in a couple of hoops for the Paolites, but Zarb’s second trey helped Depiro to go in front. Hibs combined well, to overturn the score, but Depiro retaliated with a 7-0 run, and a Rachel Camilleri trey. By the session’s end the champions had levelled the score once more. In the second period Depiro were stunned by some slick play and some stout defending, as the Paolites produced a strong 15-0 run, with a Lucienne Bezzina trey and Maria Desira points. Depiro finally recovered, and a third Zarb trey opened up the possibilities once more. Alexis Darmanin stopped her opponents, as the champions had a double figure lead again. Kaila Agius came up with personal points, but Hibs could rest on a 42-32 advantage at the interval.

After the break Depiro seemed a changed side, and with Agius dominant in the zone, and netting her free throws, the Mtarfa outfit embarked on a long 16-2 run, with Svetlana Micallef putting in her share. This went on till the end of the quarter, with the Paolites unable to add on to their tally. Depiro put their noses in front, after a lost possession by the champions, on a 48-46 score. In the final session Hibs tied the score, but promptly fell behind, at 51-48. A series of free shots pushed the champions in front, and Depiro going level again. A brace of treys, by Sarah Pace and Camilleri started a new advantage for Depiro, and though the Paolites went to within a point, it was Depiro forcing a couple of hoops, which were enough to keep them ahead till the end of the match.

Hibs: 15 Joselle Cardona, 12 Maria Desira

Depiro: 32 Kaila Agius, 13 Rachel Camilleri, 11 Greta Zarb

Referees: Gordon Barbara, Alfred Carbonaro