Micallef saves Hibs Medsea from defeat

Women basketball champions Hibs Medsea extended their unbeaten record after a hard-earned win over Loyola Allcare Insurance.

Hibs were not at their best and sorely felt the absence of rebounder Alexis Darmanin as Kerstin Micallef and Lucienne Bezzina had an off-day.

In the end, the champions were indebted to Doreen Micallef for their victory as the veteran saved the team from defeat with a three-pointer and two free-throws in the final two minutes.

Loyola took an early lead which Hibs managed to wipe out by the first quarter, 14-8. After an error-filled second session, Hibs went into the half-time break 18-12 in front. They increased their lead to 10 points, 26-16, in the third session but a 12-2 break for Loyola saw the latter back in contention.

Loyola held a slight edge but their afternoon was spoiled by Micallef who potted five points in succession to win the match for Hibs 48-44.

In another match, St Andrew's recorded their second win after edging out Starlites 52-49. The lead changed hands several times in the opening two sessions with Starlites holding a one-point advantage at half-time, 24-23.

Twelve consecutive points in the third quarter turned the result in favour of St Andrew's, 39-30. Starlites battled back only to be foiled by three Josette Calleja free-throws before the final whistle.

Athleta, under new coach Charles Bonnici, improved their performance and gave a good account of themselves against the more-quoted Depiro who led 35-24 at half-time.

It was in the closing minutes of the third session that Depiro pulled clear of Athleta to finish 83-56 winners.

Standings: Luxol 8 (4-0); Hibs 8 (4-0); Depiro 8 (3-2); Loyola 7 (2-3); St Andrew's 7 (2-3); Athleta 4 (0-4); Starlites 4 (0-4).

Top scorers: S. Pace (Depiro) 100; K. Agius (Depiro) 88; L. Sciberras (Athleta) 70.

National League: Friday, 18.15 Loyola vs Athleta; 19.45 Starlites vs Hibs. Saturday, 14.30 Luxol vs St Andrew's.