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.