Depiro edge rivals Luxol in tight match

Depiro McDonald's consolidated their second place in the standings after beating third-placed Ergon Projects Luxol while leaders Hibs Medsea crushed Empire Cinema Stunners to complete their regular season unbeaten.

In the most important match of the weekend, Depiro edged out Luxol to open a three-point advantage for the second phase of the championship where points will only be awarded to match winners.

Depiro raced to an 11-2 lead but Luxol settled down on court to close the gap to 16-11 by the end of the first quarter. Charles Bonnici's girls held on to their advantage and at half-time they were 25-18 in front.

Depiro pivot Kalia Agius was under tight marking and Luxol came to within a point, 37-36, of their opponents only for Depiro to pot the last eight of the quarter and start the last ten minutes 45-36 ahead.

Luxol then came a whisker away from upsetting Depiro but missed four consecutive free-throws. Rachael Camilleri went on to pot the last basket and make sure of Depiro's win - 62-58.

Hibs had some key players missing but they were never troubled by Stunners and after building a comfortable 40-19 lead by half-time, they finished 74-39 winners.

Standings: Hibs 30 (15-0), Depiro 27 (12-3), Luxol 24 (9-6), St James 21 (6-9), Athleta 18 (3-12), Stunners 15 (0-15).

Top scorers: R. Camilleri (Depiro) 229, L. Sciberras (Athleta) 197, L. Bezzina (Hibs) 189.

National League: Friday, 6.15 p.m. St James vs Athleta. Saturday, 4.15 p.m. Athleta vs Stunners. Sunday, 2.30 p.m. Hibs vs Depiro.