Depiro 38
Hibs Medsea 54
(8-4, 9-14, 11-17, 10-19)

Holders Hibs recovered from a tentative start to cruise to an emphatic 54-38 win over rivals Depiro in the MBA Shield final.

Depiro enjoyed an edge over their opponents in the opening stages as their rearguard was coping well with Hibs' attack.

However, Depiro failed to maintain their early momentum as coach Charles Bonnici had to make substitutions due to the team's fouls situation.

Hibs pivot Maria Desira, who was named player of the month for October, was decisive thanks to her ability to snatch rebounds as well as scoring baskets.

Depiro's dominance underneath the boards helped them to a good start but they still missed several conclusions as Hibs were finding it hard to penetrate Depiro's defence.

The introduction of Desira boosted Hibs' power underneath the boards. Trailing Depiro 13-4 in the opening minutes of the second quarter, Hibs managed to take a onepoint lead at half-time thanks to Nadia Mifsud's basket, 18-17.

Hibs continued where they left off towards the end of the second session as Depiro were clearly having problems to finish off their attacks.

Starting the final session 35-28 behind, Depiro tried to hit back but the confident Hibs were not to be denied, running out winners by a 16-point margin.

Depiro: R. Debono, C. Riolo 4, S. Pace 2, J. Cardona 11, K. Busuttil, R. Camilleri, G. Zarb 15, J. Busuttil Grady, A. Sciberras 4, E. Vella, A. Muscat 2, R. Spiteri.

Hibs: C. Fenech 4, K. Tonna, F. Bianco, F. Tabone 5, M. Desira 26, D. Parnis 10, A. Darmanin 2, N. Mifsud 2, K. Micallef 5, M. Cutajar.

Refs: B. Vassallo, C. Terrible.

Next fixtures: Super Cup final - Sunday, December 16 - 2.30 p.m. Hibs Medsea vs Depiro.