PAVI Depiro 57
Luxol 73

(16-4, 16-13, 14-16, 11-40)

Luxol look well poised to claim another honour in women’s bas-ketball this season after an incredible fourth quarter during which they turned a 20-point deficit into a 16-point lead in the first leg of the Louis Borg Cup.

Depiro settled down first as Luxol were unable to impose their game. Depiro extended their lead to 24-7 as the second quarter got underway but a time-out by Luxol coach Christof Stolph saw his team showing progress, changing ends 32-17 behind.

However, Depiro continued to increase their lead and minutes after the break they were 20 points to the good – 43-23. Luxol had Mollie Williams on the bench and Depiro coach Adrian Mifsud opted to rest Letisha Belche.

Luxol profited from the situation and signalled their comeback bid with eight consecutive points as Williams was back on court. Depiro started the last quarter 46-33 ahead.

Stolph’s girls were a transformed team. They were the ones oozing confidence now as Depiro lost most of their early rhythm.

Seventeen consecutive points saw Luxol 55-51 in front for the first time. Depiro’s reaction was weak and Luxol potted the last 13 points of the match to open a handsome lead ahead of the return leg today.

Depiro: A. Mifsud, G. Mifsud, F. Bianco 6, S. Brincat 12, M. Bonett, S. DeMartino 12, M. Mifsud, M. Scicluna, L. Belche 13, S. Micallef, B. Zammit 14.

Luxol: S. Pace 12, M. Sciortino 7, C. Medina 2, B. Naudi 15, J. Busuttil Gaerty, G. Zarb 11, P. Ellul 2, M. Williams 23, D. Muscat 1, K. Portelli.

Referees: E. Mangani, C. Terribile, J. Abuag.

Playing today
Louis Borg Cup final (2nd leg) 16.30 Luxol vs Depiro.