Hibs Go Mobile 44
Depiro Still 58
(12-9)(6-15)(13-7)(6-16)-(7-11) (after over-time) Agg:- (103-107)
Depiro recovered from a 10-point deficit from the first game to keep their hold on the Louis Borg Cup for the fourth consecutive year. Hibs had their chances, especially a 12-point lead in the last quarter, but it was not enough.
Depiro recovered Rosanne Falzon for this second match, back from her suspension. They went for a quick lead but found Hibs waiting and replying to every point they made. The Paolities even took the lead on a 10-7 score. Till the end of the session Hibs kept their advantage, leading by 12-9.
In the second session Depiro went out full of fire, and ran up a 14-0 break to overturn the overall result. Hibs managed to halt their opponents, as Alexis Darmanin was playing an inspired game. They recovered as Depiro had two key players foul hit. At the interval the Paolities held a four-point overall lead, at 67-63.
After the break Rosanne Falzon extended Depiro's lead again but the Paolities hit back with a Beverlee Zammit trey. Time passed without any points being registered as both sides were guilty of nasty play. Hibs recovered at the end and two Nadia Mifsud hoops restored the Paolities' overall lead as at the start, with an overall 90-80 score.
In the last quarter after Hibs had taken the lead again it was Depiro who started their final effort. A 9-0 run brought them back within contention but Hibs were hanging on to their lead.
Depiro put in their final fling as they grabbed an overall lead late in the game. Hibs tied the score and it all depended on the last 20 seconds, but it remained a stalemate and extra time had to be played.
Depiro went into a six point lead, and although Hibs came back to just a point down, Depiro recovered to keep the Louis Borg Cup.
After the game the Cup and medals were presented by the MBA president Mag Antoine Mizzi.
Hibs: B Zammit 13, N Mifsud 4, L Bezzina 6, S Micallef, M Desira, D Parnis, A Darmanin 14, F Schembri, M Vella 7, A Sciberras, M Cutajar.
Depiro: A Sciberras, D Galea 11, G Zarb, R Falzon 15, L Cauchi, R Camilleri 7, S Pace1, A Borg, J Cardona 9, E Bonello, R Spiteri, J Grima 15.
Referees: Stephen Micallef, Alfred Carbonaro.