Hibs dash Loyola’s hopes

The top three teams in the women’s league stayed on the winning track last weekend to move a step closer to a place in the Championship Pool.

Joint-leaders Depiro McDonald’s and Luxol scored convincing victories over St Andrew’s and Athleta respectively while Hibs Medsea beat Alyssa Ashley Loyola who have now seen their hopes of a Championship Pool berth ended.

Hibs enjoyed the upperhand over Loyola right from the outset and surged into a 15-6 lead by the end of the first quarter. The champions continued to dictate matters till half-time changing ends 29-11 ahead.

Loyola produced a strong reaction after the interval but their efforts were still not enough to overwhelm Hibs who won 47-30.

Luxol pulled away from Athleta in the final quarter to register their ninth victory in the competition.

They opened strongly to hold a 10-2 lead but after finishing the first quarter 15-6 behind, Athleta managed to share the exchanges till half-time, 23-14.

Athleta had the better ideas in the third session and continued to reduce the gap until coming as close as a single basket – 32-30.

They forged ahead in the opening minutes of the final session and a surprise result looked in the offing but Luxol regrouped to stun their opponents with a 16-point break, going on to win the match 52-36.

Depiro led St Andrew’s 31-17 at half-time. The league leaders looked more aggressive after the break to increase their lead to 53-23 before securing a reassuring 67-39 victory.

In another match, Starlites beat Mtarfa for the second time this season.

This was a balanced match between two teams languishing at the bottom end of the standings. At half-time, Starlites led 24-17. There was little to separate these two sides and in the end Starlites had to survive some anxious moments to secure victory – 50-44.

Standings: Luxol 19 (9-1), Depiro 19 (9-1), Hibs 18 (8-2), Loyola 14 (5-4), Athleta 12 (3-6), Starlites 11 (2-7), Mtarfa 9 (0-9).

Top scorers: K. Agius (Depiro) 199, L. Bezzina (Hibs) 177, L. Sciberras (Athleta) 166.

Next fixtures: (Friday – Louis Borg Cup SF) 7.45 p.m. Luxol vs Depiro. (Sunday – Louis Borg Cup SF) 2.30 p.m. Hibs vs St Andrew’s.

Matches cancelled

The MBA men’s league is temporary suspended following a decision by the President’s Council late Friday.

The weekend matches, Siġġiewi vs Depiro and Tata Motors vs Luxol, were both cancelled as it emerged that the Appeals Board is currently dealing with a series of protests lodged by more than one club following a decision to reduce hefty bans on two players from another team.

The next matches in schedule are from cup competitions on Thursday and the upcoming league fixtures are pencilled for the weekend.

So far, the MBA has not an-nounced whether these matches will be played or not.