Recap

Hibernians shocked league leaders Mellieha Libertas to take a close victory and aid their chances of a spot in the postseason.

With the likes of Mason Hix and Nick Brennen out of the squad after NADO charges, one would have expected the Paolites to be a deflated bunch late on in the regular season, however, they were the complete opposite and it seems the inclusion of former Valletta player Keith Charleston as the duo’s replacement could be beneficial push.

Playing every minute of the game on Sunday, Charleston led the team after scoring 27 points, going six of 10 from three-point range, and grabbing 13 boards. Ivan Demcesen was once again a powerhouse for Hibs with 18 points with 100% shooting percentage from the field. Alexander Peacock was Mellieha’s top scorer on the day with 24 points, followed by Tedrick Wolfe who put up 17.

Corrado Mercurio wasted no time in hitting from three-point range to kickstart the game. Hibs’ Demcesen responded with a close-range effort. 

Peacock hit next with seven straight points as the Paolites struggled with finding the right passes, conceding multiple interceptions on their plays. This troubled start forced the first timeout for coach Mario Tabone with 6.38 to go in the opening rubber. 

Mellieha opened a double-digit lead before Charleston stopped a 10-0 run. This prompted the Paolites to push further, benefitting from the bonus to eventually tie the game. Despite this, a Robert Bonnici triple gave Mellieha a three-point lead before Matthew Attard hit two freethrows after a late foul to bring back down to one at the first buzzer.

Hibs affected the game’s first lead change in the second quarter with a Demcesen three-pointer, a lead that lasted until the next play as Tedrick Wolfe hit twice from the charity stripe. However, the Paolites were back on top soon after and opened their first gap on top through a Paul Attard three-ball. 

Mellieha’s David Bugeja countered with a score from deep himself and Kwame Thompson levelled terms with 2.52 to go. 

This tit-for-tat continued with Mellieha finishing the first half up 43-40.

Peacock opened the second half immediately with a layup for Mellieha but Charleston responded with a pair of three-pointers at the other end to make it a one-point game. 

The Northerners secured the bonus with half the quarter to go and led by two ahead of the final quarter but this was not for lack of trying from Hibs’ new boy Charleston and Luke Farrugia, who were consistent from three-point range to keep their side at arm’s reach.

Charleston was again accurate from deep to start the final quarter’s scoring and retake the lead for Hibs. Attar added two another long-range score before Mellieha coach Ian Terribile called time-out. Good Hibernians defence made it a tough run for Mellieha while Anton Axiaq made it a double-digit lead for the Paolites after a strong drive through contact.

Libertas managed to climb back up to within a point in the final two minutes of play but were hit with a setback after Wolfe’s fifth foul that ended his shift while giving Hibs the bonus. The Paolites opted to hold onto their lead and take the win at the final buzzer.