Hibs took a setback in their quest to add on to their five consecutive league titles. They were beaten by Luxol in a tactical match and the Violets went three points in front of them.

The Paolites have yet to beat Luxol in a league encounter after three games.

In a wary start it was Luxol through Emma Moore who twice took an advantage. The Paolites got down to business and made up a 10-0 run beginning with a Kirsten Baldacchino triple and Joselle Cardona points.

The Violets replied through free shots but the champions recovered and ended the session on a better lead.

In the second period and after Hibs had added a further hoop Luxol began to gain ground. They managed to string out a good 11-0 run as Steffi De Martino netted a triple.

The Paolites stopped the run but the Violets led 29-24 at the interval.

After the break Luxol relied on triples and despite Hibs’ free throws and other hoops there were Sciortino with her second trey and another from Paula Ellul as they held on to their lead. Becky Naudi points helped Luxol to increase their advantage.

The champions made a reply but there was De Martino with a last second triple as her side went on to a 43-33 lead. In the final quarter Moore sank another triple to put the champions into further trouble.

For some minutes the Paolites couldn’t get any nearer but then a personal 7-0 run by Doreen Micallef brought Hibs back into the reckoning. They didn’t make any further progress as the Violets’ defence shut them out as Luxol made the last points of the encounter to advance in the Pool.

Luxol: 10 E. Moore, 11 M. Sciortino, L. Serge, 7 B. Naudi, 14 S. De Martino, 3 P. Ellul, 4 D. Muscat, E. Grech, 6 B. Zammit

Hibs: E. Micallef, E. Cassar, M. Zammit, 4 L. Bezzina, F. Tabone, 5 M. Desira, 18 D. Micallef, A.     Darmanin, 4 N. Arrigo, 7 K. Baldacchino, 7 J. Cardona

Referees: E. Mangani, L. Camilleri.