Reigning champions Luxol maintained their winning start after beating Honey Athleta. Depiro McDonald’s stayed on top after seeing off Hibs while Phoenix Qormi Petrus obtained their first victory at the expense of Starlites Sports Experience.

Luxol assumed control from the opening minutes to lead 16-9 at the end of the first quarter. With Athleta unable to raise their game, Luxol continued to dictate matters and change ends with a comfortable 30-15 lead.

Although Athleta improved after the interval, they were unable to apply pressure on Luxol who finished 66-45 winners.

Depiro’s strong opening proved crucial in their win over rivals Hibs.

Hibs had pivot Joselle Cardona returning from injury but it was Depiro who enjoyed a good start to lead 17-5 at the end of the first quarter. Hibs’ improvement was not enough to cancel the deficit as Depiro changed ends 35-23 ahead.

After the break, Hibs lifted their game to reduce the arrears to six points but Depiro held on to start the last 10 minutes 44-39 in front. After Hibs pulled to within a point of Depiro, the latter battled back to win 62-52.

Inspired by Brittaney Thomas, who potted 43 points, Qormi broke their duck, leaving Starlites, the only team without a foreigner, still seeking their first win. The first quarter was a balanced affair with Qormi a basket ahead, 12-10.

Qormi began to pull away in the second quarter to go in for half-time 34-14 ahead.

Starlites recovered after the interval but Qormi stayed firm to pull off a 56-43 victory.

Standings: Depiro 11 (5-1); Luxol 10 (5-0); Hibs 8 (3-2); Loyola 8 (3-2); Athleta 6 (1-4), Qormi 6 (1-4); Starlites 5 (0-5).

Top scorers: Brittaney Thomas (Qormi) 168; Brietta Thomas (Loyola) 146; S. Demartino (Depiro) 131; L. Belcher (Depiro) 112; M. Williams (Luxol) 106.