A great performance by Hibernians ensured that the final will go all the way, as they denied the champions in the fourth match of the series, and they did it the hard way, with captain Lucienne Bezzina, out for the second half of the match, and their bench players rising to the occasion.
The Paolites had a strong opening, with a Nadia Mifsud trey, for a 10-2 score, but the champions came back slowly, through freeshots. Hibs replied with Beverlee Zammit points, including a trey. Depiro recovered at the end of the session, but Hibs were still in front.
In the second quarter Hibs started off by increasing their lead, but Depiro crept back again, to within a 17-18 deficit. Hibs managed to open up their lead again, only for Depiro to haul themselves to their original one-point deficit. Lucienne Bezzina went on the bench for Hibs, feeling the effects of a fall in the first session, but the Paolites had Nadia Mifsud in good shooting form, and she helped her side to a 28-23 lead at the interval.
After the break Depiro redoubled their efforts, with Bezzina out of contention, and went in front for the first time with a Joselle Cardona hoop. Hibs' valiant efforts brought them back in the lead and Doreen Parnis' points pushed her side back to their original advantage, which they kept till the end of the session, on a 36-31 score.
In the final quarter a Dorianne Galea trey kept Depiro in the fray as Hibs were making tremendous efforts, which were paying dividends. the Paolites turned to Doreen Parnis again, and she obliged to put Hibs on a 45-36 lead. Depiro had to make their play as Hibs were holding their own well, but the champioms were thwarted by thier opponents' resilient play. Depiro ruched attacks were producing turnovers for Hibs, who gladly kept possession and made their free throws, to progress to the fifth and deciding match, tomorrow, against difficult odds.
Hibs: 14 Maria Desira, 13 Alexis Darmanin, 11 Beverlee Zammit
Depiro: 13 Joselle Cardona, 11 Dorianne Galea, 11 Greta Zarb
Referees: Bernard Vassallo, Gordon Barbara