Loyola beat Hibs at the death

Alyssa Ashley Loyola and Depiro McDonald’s are joint leaders in the women’s league after victories over Hibs Melita Gardens and Athleta respectively last weekend.

Luxol began their campaign on a sound footing after a comfortable success over Starlites Sports Experience.

Loyola-Hibs was the best match in programme.

Loyola, who paraded their new foreigner Desorae Johnson, of the US, had the better start to take a 10-4 lead. Hibs recovered to close the gap and even led 21-20 at half-time.

But, Loyola stunned Hibs after the interval to regain the lead 30-25. Trailing 41-37 at the start of the last 10 minutes, Hibs drew level (49-49) with a couple of minutes left to set up a tense finale.

Emma Moore kept her cool though and her points sealed the issue 53-50 for Loyola.

Another American player, Vontesha Woods, made her debut in the Maltese league on Sunday for Depiro who gained the upperhand from the jump-ball and potted the opening 10 points.

Athleta improved to share the exchanges till the end of the first quarter, 19-11, but Depiro continued to be the better team. They increased their lead to 39-21 at half-time.

Athleta were unable to apply any kind of pressure on Depiro who finished the game 69-55 in front.

Luxol, who had foreigners Clemete Medina and Robin Murphy making their first showing for the team, were never troubled by Starlites.

After leading 22-9 at the end of the first quarter, Luxol changed ends 38-17 ahead. They continued to dictate matters to win easily, 90-44.

Standings: Depiro (2-0) 4; Loyola (2-0) 4; Hibs (1-1) 3; Luxol (1-0) 2; Athleta (0-2) 2; Starlites (0-2) 2; Qormi (0-1) 1.

Top-scorers: A. Ratanska (Athleta) 41; C. Grima (Loyola) 41; L. Sciberras (Athleta) 26.

Saturday: 13.45 Loyola vs Qormi.
Sunday: 11.15 Luxol vs Athleta; 13.00 Depiro vs Hibs.