Depiro inflict first defeat on Hibs

Hibs Medsea suffered their first league defeat of the season after going down to rivals Depiro.

Leaders Luxol recorded a good victory over Kerygma while St James Hospital returned to winning ways against SN Suns JC Elect.

Hibs failed to halt their negative run against the other two teams fighting for the honours after their loss to Depiro last weekend.

After a balanced opening, eight consecutive points saw Depiro 15-7 ahead at the end of the first quarter.

Depiro widened their lead to 22-11 at the start of the second quarter but Hibs made a strong reaction to overturn the deficit, changing ends 28-24 ahead.

Hibs looked well on course for victory when going 32-24 in front but Depiro reversed the tide with a remarkable run of 16 points to start the last session 40-32 ahead.

With Hibs unable to summon sufficient energy and fighting spirit to produce another fightback, Depiro defended their lead for a 54-44 victory.

Top-of-the table Luxol were never troubled by Kerygma after they scored the opening nine points to lead 21-9 at the end of the first quarter.

After going in for half-time 33-19 in front, Luxol continued to increase the gap on Kerygma and finished 66-27 winners.

St James Hospital found little difficulty on their way to collecting their third victory at the expense of bottom-placed SN Suns, 50-19.

Standings: Luxol 15 (7-1); Depiro 14 (6-2); Hibs 13 (6-1); Kerygma 11 (3-5); St James 10 (3-4); Sliema W. 9 (2-5); SN Suns 8 (0-8).

Top scorers: R. Camilleri (Depiro) 133; J. Cardona (Depiro) 124; M. Sciortino (Luxol) 98; J. Calleja (Kerygma) 96; D. Micallef (Hibs) 91.

Next fixtures - Peugeot League

Tomorrow, 6.15 p.m. Hibs vs Luxol.

Friday, 6.15 p.m. Depiro vs Sliema.

Saturday, 2.30 p.m. St James vs Kerygma.