WILLIE VASSALLO

Hibs returned grandly from their first game defeat, and delivered a first rate performance, to keep the title issue open. Depiro fell behind from the opening session, and never really recovered, as the champions showed their determination, to wipe out the previous final result. Depiro’s tall players didn’t have any impact on the game, and Hibs showed good teamwork, to bring off a convincing score. The teams are now level on wins, but this dominant display could have an effect on the third match.

After Sarah Pace’s opener for Depiro, Hibs got down to business, and a trio of hoops were finally stopped by Pace, this time with a trey. Hibs’ next hoop found Depiro netting another trey, by Rachel Camilleri, as the lead changed hands, at 9-8. The champions replied with a good 8-0 run, to establish a useful advantage. Till the end of the quarter the scoring was shared, as the Paolites kept their lead.

In the second session Kirsten Micallef put in a trey, as the champions extended their lead, and more free throws resulted in a double figure advantage. Depiro found difficulty in obtaining points, and the Paolites could hold on to their lead, despite a late Greta Zarb trey for the Mtarfa side, who were still trailing at 23-32 at the interval.

After the break Sarah Pace pulled Depiro back with her points, coming close at 28-34. The champions responded well, and managed a 7-0 run, with points by Kirsten Micallef, including a trey. More free shots in Hibs’ Favour gave them a solid advantage, with barely a reply from Depiro, who were badly in arrears after three sessions, on an adverse 32-48 score.

In the final quarter Depiro’s efforts to press and gain possession had a partial result, as Doreen Micallef was there for the Paolites, with her constant free throws. Depiro fell further behind, besides losing players on fouls. The champions kept up their close passing game, to dominate the last stages, and force the third, and deciding, rubber, next Sunday.

Depiro: R. Debono, 2 C. Riolo, 12 S. Pace, 6 J. Cardona, K. Busuttil, 8 R. Camilleri, 10 G. Zarb, J. Busuttil Gaerty, 3 A. Sciberras, E. Vella, R. Spiteri

Hibs: 8 C. Fenech, K. Tonna, F. Bianco, 7 L. Bezzina, F. Tabone, 4 M. Desira, 16 D. Micallef, 10 A. Darmanin, 2 Nadia Mifsud, 17 K. Micallef, S. Debono, M. Cutajar

Referees: Bernard Vassallo, Jean Paul Sammut