Luxol spoil Hibs' perfect record

Luxol moved into second place at the end of the first phase of the women's league after they inflicted the first defeat on leaders Hibs Medsea. Third-placed Depiro McDonald's saw off Loyola Allcare Insurance while Honey Athleta completed the double over Starlites Sports Experience.

In the most eagerly-awaited clash of the weekend, it was Luxol who produced the better finish to win a closely-fought game. Though the match never reached high standards, it was nonetheless a nail-baiting affair with leaders Hibs edging the first quarter 7-6.

Hibs extended their lead to 12-8 in the early stages of the second quarter but suddenly Luxol found their rhythm to dominate the remaining minutes, going in for the break 21-14 ahead.

The champions regained their composure and a 14-point run in the second half of the third quarter put Hibs six points in front, 30-24.

Luxol netted the opening seven points of the last session to regain the lead 31-30 but Hibs made a reaction to open a three-point gap, 34-31.

Up to this stage, Luxol's top-scorer Steffi Demartino had had a quiet match but she came good when it mattered most, potting the last four points of the match for a 35-34 victory.

Depiro recovered from a slow start to ease past Loyola 45-24. After Loyola led 9-8 at the end of the first quarter, Depiro stepped up their game to go 19-13 ahead at half-time. Depiro were never troubled until the final buzzer.

Athleta needed extra-time to gain their fourth victory at the expense of Starlites who are still searching for their first win.

It was the Starlites who forced the early tempo to lead 19-8 at the end of the first quarter. At half-time, Starlites were 31-18 ahead but Athleta came back strongly after the interval.

After reducing the gap to six points, 40-34, ahead of the last 10 minutes, Athleta managed to force extra time thanks to a Dorien Jager basket, 51-51. In a close finish, Athleta had the last laugh as they pulled off a 60-58 victory.

Standings: Hibs 23 (11-1); Luxol 22 (10-2); Depiro 21 (9-3); Loyola 17 (5-7); Athleta 16 (4-8), St Andrews 16 (4-8); Starlites 12 (0-12).

Next fixtures

Men's BOV KO semi-finals: Saturday, 16.45 Athleta vs Luxol. Sunday, 14.30 Depiro vs Loyola.

Women's league: Sunday, 09.15 Loyola vs Starlites; 11.00 Athleta vs St Andrews.