In the match of the weekend, Honey Athleta beat Caffe Moak Luxol a second time following their win in the MBA Shield semi-finals a few days back.

Hibs disposed of Phoenix Petrus Loyola and Pavi Depiro beat Starlites Sports Experience in the opening round of the Women’s League.

Honey Athleta again proved to be the stronger outfit as Luxol are sorely missing playmaker Sara Pace even though they have signed Kirstin Baldacchino from Hibs.

Athleta opened a 10-2 lead but midway through the second quarter Luxol had a good moment to close the gap to a single basket 18-16. Athleta, however, recovered to change ends leading 25-18.

Luxol never gave the impression of being able to close the gap again as Athleta started the last ten minutes 40-30 ahead.

Hard as they tried Luxol could not unsettle Athleta who sealed their victory on a 56-45 scoreline.

With the introduction of playmaker Crystal Woodlers, Hibs looked a transformed side.

The Paolites were always the better team and after leading 13-6 at the end of the first quarter, they changed ends 31-13 ahead.

With Phoenix unable to react, Hibs run out 76-33 winners.

Depiro, the other MBA Shield finalists, were also too strong for Starlites.

In fact, Depiro led from the opening minutes to hold a 22-18 half-time lead.

Eight consecutive points as the third quarter got underway helped Depiro to extend their lead (30-18) and though Starlites lifted their game late on their effort was not enough to avoid a 62-36 defeat.

Next fixtures
Saturday: 14.45 Luxol vs Phoenix.
Sunday: 11.15 Hibs vs Depiro, 14.45 Starlites vs Honey Athleta.