In the space of a week, Luxol again had the better of Depiro to increase their chances of finishing top in this first phase of the women’s league.

Luxol prevailed thanks to their efforts in the latter stages during which they broke clear with a couple of outside shots from Greta Zarb and Sara Pace.

The match developed into a tight affair with the lead changing hands on several occasions.

Depiro had the better start but Luxol came rushing back and led 15-8 at the end of the first quarter.

Depiro were unable to settle on court as Luxol held on to change ends 27-17 ahead.

At the start of the third quarter, Depiro looked more composed. Luxol fumbled a series of possessions and saw their advantage dwindle to a single basket, 27-25.

But they recovered well after a time-out and took a 47-44 lead into the last ten minutes.

With Mollie Williams on the bench after her fourth foul, Depiro shot ahead 51-47.

Strangely, however, they lost their momentum when Williams was back on court and Luxol scored decisive points from outside the arc to win the match 72-64.

Loyola had little difficult against Qormi. By the end of the first quarter, and with Brietta Thomas in devastating form (she potted 50 points), Loyola led 35-5, going on to change ends 48-16 in front.

Loyola continued to dictate matters with a Petra Montanaro basket seeing her team surpassing the 100-point mark for a 103-44 win.

Hibs were also never troubled by bottom-placed Starlites. After potting the first 14 points of the match, Hibs led 27-14 at lemon time.

They continued to dictate play and romped home to a 59-33 win.

Standings: Depiro 18 (8-2), Luxol 17 (8-1), Loyola 17 (7-3), Hibs 16 (6-4), Athleta 12 (3-6), Qormi 10 (1-8), Starlites 9 (0-9).

Saturday: 14.45 Depiro vs Starlites, 16.30 Qormi vs Luxol.

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