Three teams on top

Luxol overcame the challenge of Depiro McDonalds to go top of the Women’s League at the end of the first round, level on points with the same Depiro and surprise package Loyola.

It was Depiro who enjoyed the better start when they obtained the first nine points of the match. A Luxol time-out paid off as they managed to reduce the deficit to a single basket, 12-10, but it was Depiro who potted the last three points of the session to go 15-10 ahead.

Luxol were a transformed side after that as they turned the match in their favour to go in for the half-time break leading 33-28.

In the third session, Depiro fought back to reduce the gap, 40-38, but Luxol regained the initiative to start the last 10 minutes 47-40 in front.

Depiro doubled their efforts but an unsporting foul against Sam Brincat dashed their hopes as Luxol won 64-53.

Loyola, meanwhile, found little difficulty to beat Starlites as they ran out 84-24 winners.

Adrian Mifsud’s side took command from the opening minutes and went on to change ends 33-13 ahead. Starlites’ response failed to arrive as Loyola maintained their dominance till the final buzzer.

In another match, Athleta recorded an easy victory over bottom-placed Qormi. Athleta started to impose their superiority over Qormi after the fifth minute to change ends 43-18, going on to secure the points with a 90-44 win.

Standings: Loyola 11 (5-1), Luxol 11 (5-1), Depiro 11 (5-1); Hibs 9 (3-3); Athleta 8 (2-4); Starlites 7 (1-5); Qormi 6 (0-6).

Top scorers: A. Ratomaska (Athleta) 119; R. Murphy (Luxol) 116; D. Johnson (Luxol) 111; L. Gipson (Hibs) 101.

Next fixtures: Friday – 20.00 Starlites vs Depiro. Saturday – 13.45 Hibs vs Qormi. Sunday – 13.00 Athleta vs Loyola.