Depiro Still 57

Hibs Go Mobile 55

(8-22)(17-13)(22-8)(10-12)

In a close game, Hibs made up a sizeable lead, but it was not enough as Depiro recovered just enough to win the match, which had a tight finish. Hibs protested after the match, due to alleged ineligibility of two Depiro players, also registered with a Sicilian club.

Depiro started off well, with a couple of hoops, but Hibs settled down and shared the play, then went further on a positive run, an incredible 16-0, till the end of the session, as Depiro simply couldn’t find their way to the basket. Hibs kept on a steady roll and the first session ended on a 22-8 score.

In the second session Depiro had to get back in the game. The Paolites held out for some time, keeping their lead, but the champions started coming back, although slowly. A couple of treys, and a 10-2 run pushed them nearer. Nevertheless Hibs were still 35-25 ahead at the interval.

After the break Depiro continued with their surge. An 8-1 run brought them closer still, but Hibs recovered to hold their lead only for Depiro to tie with a Raquel Tryon trey and then take the lead. The Paolites rallied briefly to forge ahead again. But Depiro’s insistence gave them a 47-43 third session lead.

The final quarter saw Depiro extend their advantage, leading 52-43 but Hibs then began their fight back. Points by Beverlee Zammit helped the Paolites to go near again, on a 49-53 score.

Depiro held off and then Hibs’ Caroline Fenech sank in a trey and the game went open wide. Hibs put in their final efforts but these didn’t find their mark and Depiro made their first step to retain the league title

Depiro: R Tryon 6, D Galea 14, G Zarb, R Falzon 3, R Spiteri, R Camilleri 5, S Pace 2, A Borg, J Cardona 6, E Bonello, A Sciberras, J Grima 21.

Hibs: C. Fenech 12, B Zammit 5, N Mifsud 4, D Hollier, D Aquilina 6, D Parnis 16, A Darmanin 10, F Schembri, M Vella 2, S Micallef, M Coppini.

Referees: Emmanuel Mangani, Stephen Micallef.