Sliema W. 34

Hibs Medsea 67

(11-20)(10-13)(7-16)(6-18)

Despite their mishaps in Cup competitions, losing one and being ousted from two more, Hibs are still unbeaten in the league. they had no trouble in notching up their seventh consecutive win, beating a Sliema side coming from two straight league wins.

Without playing to their full potential, the champions grew in stature as the game progressed, to pull clear early on in the third quarter.

Sliema were without the services of Chanel Galea for this encounter.

After an early Christina Martinelli hoop for Sliema, it was the champions who made up an 8-0 run, led by Doreen Micallef.

Sliema rallied to cut down their deficit, to 7-11, but the Paolites came up with a 9-2 run, as Lucienne Bezzina put in her points. Just before the end of the session Francesca Farrugia pulled a hoop back for Sliema.

In the second quarter, despite a Hibs double hoop opening, Sliema had more than a decent reply.

A trio of hoops brought them to an 18-24 score, as Martinelli continued to be a threat to Hibs’ defence. The champions recovered towards the end of the quarter, and a 9-3 run saw them through to a 33-21 half time lead.

After the break Sliema were hit hard. They made the session’s first basket, but Hibs then took almost complete command, and a long 12-1 run, full of free throws, took them beyond Sliema’s reach. The latter managed a trey, by Ann Marie Cefai, but by the end of the session the champions enjoyed a 49-28 advantage.

In the final quarter Hibs were still hungry for more. An 8-2 start enhanced their lead, and in the next minutes it was Maria Desira who provided the hoops for the Paolites. Sliema were not sitting back, and Martinelli and Farrugia made their points. but Hibs had control, to finish the match on a good note.

Sliema: 14 Christina Martinelli, 10 Francesca Farrugia

Hibs: 15 Doreen Micallef, 14 Maria Desira, 13 Caroline Fenech, 12 Lucienne Bezzina

Referees: Emanuel Mangani, Clive Terribile

Standings

15 Luxol (7-1); 14 Hibs Medsea (7-0); 14 Depiro (6-2); 11 Kerygma (3-5); 10 Sliema Wanderers (2-6); 9 St. James Hospital (2-5); 8 SN Suns JC (0-8).

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The Miles Express First Division player of the month award for January was won by Compleet IS Sliema Wanderers player Omar Said. In January Sliema maintained their second place in the standings. Said contributed to the side’s good results by scoring 46 points. He is the top assist man of the league with 66 averaging 4.13 assists per game. He is also the league’s fifth top steals man with a total of 34, averaging 2.13 steals per game. He is also a regular national team player. He was presented this award by Martin Ferry on behalf of Miles Express Ltd