Luxol come from behind to beat Hibs

Reigning champions Depiro started their title defence with a comfortable victory over Naxxar last week. Serious challengers Luxol Vodafone came from behind to lower Hibs Medsea's colours and newcomers Loyola Xuereb Installations had the better of Kerygma.

Luxol, bolstered by the arrival of ex-Depiro and national team forward Rachel Camilleri, surprised Hibs who had to do without Lucienne Bezzina while Caroline Fenech is now back at Luxol.

Hibs took an early 16-6 lead, going on to change ends 31-21 in front. But Luxol upped their game after the break and spurred on by Camilleri, who potted 17 points, they levelled at 36-36.

With Hibs unable to shake off a difficult moment, Luxol forged ahead 49-40 before weathering Hibs' late rally to secure a 49-45 win.

Newcomers Loyola, mostly composed of former Qormi players along with Lara Cauchi, who joined from Depiro, had a fine start after beating Kerygma 57-53.

Kerygma, with new faces Antida Zammit, Denise Hollier and Fiona Schembri, all formerly of Hibs, had a stuttering start but after their first basket they played better and led 13-11. With Carina Gauci in good form, Loyola regained the lead and went in for the break 24-20 in front.

Kerygma hit back to lead 40-33 at the end of the third quarter but a 14-2 break in the last session helped Loyola on their way to victory.

Depiro had various promising young players in the team but were never troubled by Naxxar. Though missing the services of pivot Josephine Grima, now playing in Italy, Depiro took a 22-4 lead after the first ten minutes. They continued to dictate matters never allowing Naxxar to settle on court.

Brian Mifsud's team improved after the interval but could never recover lost ground as Depiro ran out easy winners 72-37.

Next fixtures: Friday - 7.45 p.m. Kerygma vs Hibs. Saturday - 4.15 p.m. SN Suns vs Naxxar. Sunday - 11 a.m. Depiro vs Loyola.