Loyola Tata Motors 49
Depiro Mtarfa 91
(13-24, 9-18, 11-21, 16-28)
Depiro Mtarfa kept alive their hopes of claiming a berth in the Championship Pool after a crushing 91-49 win over Loyola Tata Motors.
It was evident from the jumpball that Depiro were determined to extend their positive run. Their fast play rattled Loyola’s defence as Depiro potted the opening eight points.
Substitutions temporarily helped Loyola to raise their game but after reducing the gap to three points, 10-7, Depiro recovered their momentum to lead 24-13 at the end of the quarter.
Loyola shared the exchanges in the first five minutes of the second session but Depiro regained the initiative. Inspired by David Bugeja and Roderick Vella, Depiro increased their tempo to open a comfortable 20-point lead at half-time.
Depiro stayed in control after the interval as Loyola failed to put their opponents under pressure. Loyola’s hopes had evaporated by the end of the third session as Depiro were 63-33 ahead.
Depiro continued to dominate till the final whistle.
Loyola: S. Pace 10, B. Zammit 8, D. Camilleri 10, S. Borg, G. Cuschieri, J.P. Borg, S. Vella, A. Axiaq 2, G. Mihalovic 9, J. Anastasi 9, J. Ransley 1.
Depiro: R. Vella 19, J.P. Schembri 7, D. Bugeja 28, A. Aquilina 6, J. Gatt 11, E. Lupo 8, M. Mallia 10, I. Tanti 2.
Referees: G. Barbara, E. Mangani, A. Carbonaro.
Played last night
BUPA Luxol 52
Athleta 80
(14-16, 15-19, 12-18, 11-27)
Standings: Athleta 23 (11-1); Siġġiewi 15 (6-3); Depiro 14 (4-6); Luxol 13 (3-7); Loyola 9 (1-7).
Note: Luxol-Loyola not included. MBA ruling ordered that extra-time be played.
Next fixtures: Thursday 19.45 Louis Borg Cup final (1st leg) Athleta vs Siġġiewi. Second leg: Saturday, 15.45.
Champs hit back
Reigning champions Hibs Medsea recovered from a slow start to beat Depiro McDonald’s and stay in contention to retain the league title.
With the match losers gaining no points under the format for Phase Two of the league campaign, Hibs and Depiro, who both suffered defeats to Luxol, were all out for a win to keep snapping at the leaders’ heels.
Depiro’s morale was high after their BOV KO victory over Hibs in their last outing. Taking advantage of their opponents’ indifferent start, Depiro opened a 14-5 lead by the end of the first quarter.
Hibs fell further behind as the second session got underway but suddenly the team from Paola clicked into gear and changed ends a basket behind, 18-16.
The third session was a balanced affair until Hibs notched the last five points to lead 28-25. The last 10 minutes saw rebounder Maria Desira hit 11 consecutive points to propel Hibs to victory as Depiro ended the game in a subdued mood.
Standings: Luxol 30 (14-2); Hibs 27 (12-3); Depiro 27 (12-3).
Top-scorers: S. DeMartino (Luxol) 245; L. Bezzina (Hibs) 238; K. Agius (Depiro) 231.
Next fixture: Thursday 18.15, Luxol vs Depiro.