Loyola made it two of three with a well-earned win over Suns, who improved on their first showing against Naxxar. The first session saw Loyola forge ahead but Suns were never far behind, and managed to be at 11-11 before falling behind again.

In the second session Loyola took over, and a 12-0 run opened up their lead, with Suns unable to reply, and at the halfway stage it was a 28-15 match.

After the break Suns managed to hold their own for some time, but then Loyola broke free again, and a 13-0 run finished off the session with a big 50-20 lead.

The last quarter was much quieter, as Loyola started to ease off, but Suns didn’t take much advantage, and still found the way to basket difficult. Loyola could stroll through till the end to register a high win.

Loyola: 15 Carina Gauci, 14 Christine Grima.

Suns: 8 Lilian Cremona

Referees: Carlo Farrugia, Emmanuel Mangani

Luxol 69

Kerygma 30

(12-9)(16-8)(15-7)(26-6)

Luxol continued on their win against Hibs, with another victory over Kerygma, which, as expected, didn’t give them any hassle. Still, Kerygma were near enough in the first session as Luxol, who went into the lead very early, were giving space to their opponents.

In the second quarter things started swinging more towards the Violets, as they stretched their lead. Kerygma came back towards the end of the session but Luxol were leading 28-17 at the interval.

After the break, and a quick Kirsten Micallef trey, Luxol again took command, with Kerygma making occasional points. Luxol’s lead escalated, making sure of the result and playing more confidently.

In the last quarter Kerygma tried to keep up and did at first but then they lost their way, and Luxol punished them with a long 16-0 run only stopped in the last minute, after which Mandy Sciortino grabbed another trey for Luxol.

Luxol: 14 Rachel Camilleri

Kerygma: 11 Fiona Schembri, 11 Renette Debono

Referees: Bernard Vassallo, Jennifer Mangani.

Hibs Medsea 59

Depiro 65

(13-9)(10-24)(23-18)(13-4)

This was a great match as the two archrivals slugged it out till the end. Hibs made a determined effort but couldn’t quite make it against the champions.

It was the Paolites who had the better start, leading 10-2, but Depiro came back till the end of the session, although in arrears, but the next quarter was a different matter as Depiro piled on the pressure in the latter stages, after trailing for so long. An 11-0 run turned the result, and at the interval it was Depiro at 33-23.

After the break Hibs were more in evidence as they started to reduce their deficit. As time wore on, a 10-3 run brought Hibs close but they suffered two late hoops to go 46-51 down.

The final session found Hibs putting in a final effort. They tied the score with a Beverlee Zammit trey, but then both sides lost players on fouls and Depiro edged ahead again. Hibs’ final attacks were hurried and Depiro’s fast breaks decided the game. Depiro are already on top of the table whilst Hibs haven’t made a good start this season.

Hibs: 18 Beverlee Zammit, 15 Doreen Parnis.

Depiro: 23 Dorianne Galea, 14 Greta Zarb.

Referees: Stephen Micallef, Alfred Carbonaro.