A hard-earned victory over Depiro McDonald’s left reigning champions Luxol as the only unbeaten side in this season’s women’s league.
Alyssa Ashley Loyola were back to winning ways after beating Phoenix Qormi Petrus while Hibs eased past Starlites Sports Experience.
The top-of-the-table clash between Luxol and Depiro was an exciting affair.
Depiro seized the initiative early on, taking a seven-point lead by the end of the opening quarter, 22-15.
Luxol bounced back in the second session but could only reduce the gap to four points at the half-time interval, 34-30.
Midway through the third session, Luxol nosed ahead for the first time as they took a four-point lead, 42-38. But Depiro soon recovered to start the final session 53-47 ahead.
Depiro looked on course to take the points as they increased their advantage in the fourth quarter but their hopes suffered a setback when they lost American player Latisha Belcher for five fouls.
Luxol fully profited from Belcher’s departure as they staged a strong late rally to win the match 71-69.
Loyola had to fight harder than expected to down Qormi.
The match was illuminated by the prolific scoring of the two foreign players on court, Brietta Thomas, of Loyola, and Qormi’s Brittaney Thomas, who scored 73 points between them.
Loyola had a four-point lead by the end of the first quarter, 17-13, but Qormi fought back to go in for half-time 29-28 ahead.
Loyola regained their composure in the third session to open a seven-point lead, 48-41.
Qormi tried to remain in touch but Loyola kept the initiative to run out 73-62 winners.
Hibs registered their third victory at the expense of the winless Starlites.
After a balanced opening quarter, Hibs took command to change ends 24-10 ahead.
Starlites’ reaction never materialised as the Paolites cantered home for a 46-26 victory.
Standings: Depiro 7 (3-1); Hibs 7 (3-1); Luxol 6 (3-0); Loyola 6 (2-2); Athleta 4 (1-2); Qormi 3 (0-3); Starlites 3 (0-3).
Top scorers: Brietta Thomas (Loyola) 106; K. Sanga (Hibs) 91; Brittaney Thomas (Qormi) 88; S. DeMartino (Depiro) 86; L. Belcher (Depiro) 74.
Next fixtures: Saturday, 2.45pm Starlites vs Depiro. Sunday, 9.30am Luxol vs Qormi, 11.15am Loyola vs Athleta.