Women’s League leaders Caffe Moak Luxol extended their unbeaten run to six matches this season after a hard-earned win over third-placed Honey Athleta as PAVI Depiro kept in touch with the table toppers after a comfortable win over bottom-placed DHL Phoenix.

Athleta needed a victory to keep the pace with Luxol but after leading for most of the match they lost their way in the final minutes.

After potting the first six points, Luxol failed to stop Athleta from hitting back and take a 14-8 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Luxol again had the better start after the short interval to level at 14-all but Athleta improved markedly to dominate proceedings until half-time and change ends 24-14 ahead.

The break must have come at the right moment for Luxol who emerged from the dressing room more motivated.

In fact, they closed the gap to a single basket 26-24 and balance prevailed after that as Athleta started the last ten minutes enjoying a three-point lead, 30-27.

Athleta held the upperhand in the fourth quarter but late on five points by Lakeitha Alston gave Luxol the edge and a 41-36 victory.

Depiro beat Phoenix 73-29 and as the scoreline indicates this was one-way traffic.

Phoenix, the only team without a foreigner in the league, struggled from the very first minutes as Depiro raced to a 35-15 advantage at half-time.

After the interval, Depiro continued to dictate the run of play to register their fifth victory from seven matches.

Standings: Luxol 12 (6-0), Depiro 12 (5-2), Athleta 10 (3-4), Hibs 8 (2-4), Phoenix 6 (0-6).

Top scorers: A. Simmons (Athleta) 151, S. Evans (Depiro) 145, C. Grima (Hibs) 119, L. Alston (Luxol) 106, G. Mifsud (Depiro) 89.

National League: (Sunday) 11.15 Hibs vs Athleta, 14.45 Phoenix vs Luxol.