Hibs Medsea 63

Luxol 74

(8-18)(24-16)(16-12)(15-28)

Luxol were still smarting from their defeat by Hibs, just three days before, after they had captured the MBA Shield. This time they made no mistake, adding another honour and lasting the match better, to win the Super Cup for the second time after a long wait, going back to 1992. Hibs had come back fron an uncertain start and were in front in the last quarter, seeming on the road to a repeat from a few days before. But Luxol's resiliance carried them through when they compiled a steady run, to break clear of the opposition at the opportune time, and land their second honour of the season.

The Violets made a dream start, as Mandi Sciortino led her team to a 10-0 lead. The champions opened their account with a Kirsten Micallef triple but Beverlee Zammit did the same at the other end, as Luxol held on to their advantage. Late in the period Micallef sank her second triple for the Paolites, but Luxol repeated the dose, as Zammit also netted a trey and the Violets were on a useful lead.

In the second quarter, after another Emma Moore hoop, Hibs began their climb, inching to a 14-20 deficit. Zammit again put in a triple for Luxol but the champions replied with an 8-2 run and more triples by Doreen Micallef and Kirsten Micallef's third long one.

The Paolites' determination showed through till the interval, when they had a good ending, with an Alexis Darmanin triple, and other points. Luxol's lead then dwindled to a slim 34-32 lead, halfway through the encounter.

After the break, and again and another initial Luxol basket, the champions came through to grab their first advantage, at 38-36. Luxol were not disconcerted, as they put in an 8-2 run, ending with a Sciortino triple and going back ahead. The Paolites replied with an 8-2 run of their own, with more Maria Desira hoops, when they had a 48-46 lead.

In the final period Hibs began by extending their advantage, but the Violets, slowly but surely, came bouncing back, with Steffi De Martino points, and two more Zammit triples. Their solid 15-0 run gave them a strong lead. The Violets could play out the remaining time to lay their hands on their second seasonal honour, along with the Shield.

At the end of the game the MBA president, Mag. Antonio Mizzi, presented the Luxol captain, Mandi Sciortino, with the Super Cup.

Hibs: E. Micallef, E. Cassar, D. Cassar, L. Bezzina, F. Tabone, 13 M. Desira, 10 D. Micallef, 14 A. Darmanin, N. Arrigo, 13 K. Micallef, 13 J. Cardona

Luxol: 11 E. Moore, 13 M. Sciortino, B. Naudi, 19 S. De Martino, P. Ellul, 9 D. Muscat, L. Chetcuti, T. De Martino, 22 B. Zammit

Referees: Alfred Carbonaro, Clive Terribile