PAVI Depiro had the better of Hibs to reach the Louis Borg Cup final where they will meet Caffe Moak Luxol who knocked out Starlites Naxxar.

Depiro encountered more resistance from Hibs than in their last league meeting.

It was Depiro who enjoyed the better start to the first leg to lead 18-10 by the end of the first quarter.

Hibs improved to close the gap to a basket by half-time, 24-22. The match remained tight in the third quarter as Depiro led by four points, 37-33. Hibs managed to put their noses in front in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter, 39-37, but Depiro bounced back to level at 44-all before Sam Brincat’s three-pointer sealed a 48-44 win.

The two teams were evenly matched in the opening quarter of the second match but Depiro took the initiative in the second to go in for half-time 25-16 ahead.

Seven consecutive points midway through the third quarter saw Depiro extend their lead to 32-19 to close in on the final. Hibs’ efforts in the last 10 minutes proved futile as Depiro won 53-41 and 101-85 on aggregate.

Luxol moved within sight of the final after dominating the first leg against Starlites.

After conceding the opening two baskets, Luxol led 19-8 at the end of the first quarter.

Starlites fell further behind, 32-14, but had a good finish to the second quarter to reduce the deficit to 33-24.

Luxol were in control in the last five minutes of the third session to open a handsome 26-point lead, 55-29.

Starlites’ reaction failed to materialise as Luxol went on to increase their advantage, 73-36, ahead of the second leg.

The second leg was more balanced with Starlites showing improvement in the second quarter. They were inspired by Rena Phelps who delivered 34 points to turn a three-point deficit into a nine-point lead at half-time, 39-30.

Luxol’s attempts to recover were foiled by Starlites who held on to start the last quarter 51-43 in front.

Luxol were unable to close the gap as Starlites won 61-53 but the former emerged 126-97 winners on aggregate.

Next fixtures
St James Hospital League: Saturday 14.45 Athleta vs Phoenix. Sunday 11.15 Hibernians vs Starlites; 14.45 Luxol vs Depiro.

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