Hibs’ unbeaten league record came to an end, along with other lost honours, and the championship race is now wide open, as the first three teams are tight together. It was a game of contrasts, with the two teams having alternate bright phases, but with Depiro having the last laugh, with their third win over Hibs this season, in five matches.
Stephanie Debono returned in Hibs’ ranks for the first time this season.
The fast start favoured the champions, as they went into a 6-2 lead, which they didn’t enjot much. A Greta Zarb trey started a grand run, which went on till the end of the quarter. Hibs could only reply through a lone free shot, as Depiro made up a 13-1 break, with a series of free throws, for a good lead.
In eth second session Alexis Darmanin pulled the Paolites back, but Depiro returned with a 7-0 run, for a better 22-11 advantage. Suddenly Hibs hit their form, and Depiro were on the receiving end. A hot 14-0 run, with Kirsten Micallef finding her s coring touch, gave the champions an advantage. depiro stopped the run with a single Joselle Cardona hoop, but HIbs ended the session on a good note. At the interval they led 28-24.
After the break the Paolites extended their lead further, with a couple of hoops, but the champions hit foul trouble, and that was their contribution till the end of the session. Depiro began with a Rachel Camilleri trey, and went on to a fine 16-0 run, which pushed the Paolites to a 32-40 deficit, as Depiro pressed them all the way.
In the final session the scoring took a nosedive at first, as both teams sere very wary of each other. Depiro made a couple of hoops, with a Hibs reaction, which didn’t bring them near enough, at 39-48, with both teams losing players on fouls. Hibs were then given the death blow, as Greta Zarb abd Sarah pace sank their treys. Alexis Darmanin;
‘s points, including a trey, only came in the last seconds, as Depiro were already celebrating their victory.
Hibs: 13 Alexis Darmanin, 10 Kirsten Micallef, 9 Doreen Micallef
Depiro: 14 Greta Zarb, 12 Rachel Camilleri, 11 Sarah Pace
Referees: Gordon Barbara, Alfred Carbonaro