Champions Caffe Moak Luxol will face Electrofix Hibs in the MSV Women’s League final after both teams concluded their play-off semi-finals with comfortable victories to seal the best-of-five series in the third tie.
Hibs obtained their seventh victory over Gżira Athleta this season – 56-44.
However, this was the most balanced game of the series and Hibs have to perform better in offence against Luxol after missing a series of open chances in the zone.
The first two sessions were balanced but a 9-0 run and a Greta Costa triple saw Hibs open a 28-21 lead at the interval.
When play resumed, Hibs increased their advantage as they went on another 11-2 run with Costa’s second triple and points by Josephine Grima and Elena Cassar.
Athleta found it difficult in attack but scored a buzzer-beater three-pointer by Leanne Sciberras for a 44-27 scoreline.
In the last session, Hibs had more treys from Cassar and Christina Grima.
Late in the game, Athleta had a 13-0 run and reduced the gap to 10 points.
However, there was no time left for them as Hibs closed the game with hoops from Hannah Al Tumi and Said.
In the other match, Luxol beat PAVI Depiro 72-50 to join Hibs in the final.
The game had a slow start and Depiro went in front as points from Claire Ciantar.
Luxol could only reply from the free-throw line.
In fact, their first basket came from Steffi De Martino in the fifth minute and the Violets had to wait until the ninth to take the lead after points by Christine Curmi, Paula Ellul and a Beverlee Zammit triple – 18-15.
In the second period, Depiro tied the score twice. Luxol also had their share of three-pointers but another Mifsud triple saw Depiro gain a three-point lead at half-time – 37-34.
After the break, De Martino’s points put the champions in front once more. This time Depiro were unable to recover as Luxol increased their advantage to 10 points.
Luxol practically made sure of victory as the fourth quarter got underway with a 13-0 run.
Depiro potted the last points of the game but Luxol emerged victorious, 72-50.
Final series (best of seven, game 1): Sunday – 14.45 Electrofix Hibernians vs Caffe Moak Luxol.