The champions went up into joint top place with Luxol as they recorded their third victory. The Loyola outfit was no match against Hibs who looked as if they treated this match as a preparation for harder ones to come.

The triples were not lacking at the Paolites’ end as they dominated every session to leave Loyola behind at an early stage of the game.

The champions were without Alexis Darmanin work-tied. Loyola had Abigail Sciberras and Adalia Bonanno still missing and Elena Falzon was also absent.

Loyola made the opening hoop just a few seconds into the game but then had to bear the full brunt of a hyped Hibs’ side who began to pile in their hoops. Joselle Cardona and Lucienne Bezzina made a number of points as their side netted a 21-0 run before Loyola could stop them with a Ruth Spiteri triple. Bezzina found time to add a couple more baskets before the session ended. Loyola improved in their shooting in the second period but the champions, although making changes on court, still kept up a series of points going in especially when their triples started to sink in.

Kirsten Micallef started them off as usual and Francesca Tabone came up with two more and Emma Micallef also netted another. By that time Hibs had made a 13-2 break and finished off with a further 8-2 run. At the interval the score stood at 46-13.

After the break the Paolites although erratic at times were still commanding enough to keep on putting distance between the two teams.

Loyola put in their hoops at intervals as did Hibs with their triples – two more by Emma Micallef and a first for Bezzina. The champions ended the session with a 9-2 run and went on to a 69-21 lead.

The last quarter was played on the same pattern as before with Loyola’s baskets few and far between. Hibs were putting in more hoops but at a slower rate than before. Kirsten Micallef nailed in a second personal triple and she grabbed a third after Bezzina had enhanced her tally with eight points on the trot.

Hibs: 9 E. Micallef, 5 E. Cassar, M. Zammit, 22 L. Bezzina, 6 F. Tabone, 6 D. Micallef, 8 N. Arrigo, 13 K. Micallef, 16 J. Cardona

Loyola: J. Doughty, 4 F. Schembri, 6 M. Gatt, 7 R. Spiteri, P. Montanaro, K. Borg, F. Camilleri, 6 SJ Barbara, 2 K. Gouder

Referees: E. Mangani, B. Sly 

Standings

Luxol and Hibs Medsea have six points each. They are followed by McDonalds Depiro on five, Athleta, Alyssa Ashley Loyola, both on five, Starliteson four and Guzelpinar Mtarfa on 3.