Loyola still in the race

Loyola Xuereb Installations chalked up a crucial victory against Depiro in the women's Peugeot League last weekend to keep alive their hopes of contesting the final against Hibs Medsea.

Loyola needed a victory to stay in the hunt for a place in the final. In a balanced and tense match, they managed to upset Depiro with their very last efforts.

Depiro took an early lead but Loyola sounded their intentions of producing a bold challenge by hitting back to move three points in front, 8-5, before Depiro levelled at the end of a low-scoring first quarter - 8-8.

Loyola had the better start to the second session but nine consecutive points saw Depiro 19-14 ahead, going on to lead 19-16 at half-time.

Neither side managed to open a sizeable advantage with Depiro starting the last ten minutes 34-30 ahead. It was in the final minutes that Loyola, with Sandra Schembri Wismayer in fine form, upped their game. Depiro were unable to respond as the outsiders held on for a 45-42 victory.

In the Classification Pool, Luxol consolidated top place in the standings with victory over Sliema Wanderers. However, Luxol only succeeded in imposing their superiority after the interval as, at that juncture, Sliema were only a basket behind - 26-24.

But, in the third session, Luxol were in a class of their own and a 24-4 run saw them well ahead 50-28. Sliema could never recover as Luxol cantered home for a 69-39 victory.

Standings

Championship Pool - Hibs 26; Depiro 21, Loyola 21 (Loyola played a game more).

Classification Pool - Luxol 20; Kerygma 19; Sliema 15; SN Suns 12.

Next fixtures

Sunday: Peugeot League 11 a.m. Luxol vs Kerygma; 12.45 p.m. Sliema vs SN Suns; 2.30 p.m. Hibs vs Depiro.

Gatorade League

Championship Pool: Dakar 21; Siggiewi 20; Luxol 16.

Relegation Pool: Depiro 14, Qormi 14; Floriana 13.

Saturday: 4.15 p.m. Depiro vs Qormi. Sunday: 4.15 p.m. Dakar vs Siggiewi.