Recap

SiGMA Depiro overcame their fourth-quarter worries to beat Hibernians with practically the last play of the game. The Paolites, missing import guard Nick Brennen looked a more compact version of themselves as coach Mario Tabone was pushed into quicker rotation.

Cameron Cornelius opened the game’s scoring before Anton Axiaq hit one from two freethrows and Luke Farrugia hit from three. Axiaq grabbed second-chance points on the team’s next play before Andrew Aquilina replied with a three as both sides started the game on a strong note.

In a tight encounter, both teams responded to each other’s advances to finish nine points apart with Depiro in the lead at the first buzzer.

Hibs centre Ivan Demcesen opened the second quarter scoring before Alfred Hollins Jr responded. Depiro looked the more dangerous side going ahead by double digits on numerous occasions but Hibs remained productive to make the most out of getting into the bonus. In turn, they dropped the deficit and levelled the game at 42-42 by the halftime buzzer.

Hibs took the lead as the second half started but it remained a very close margin throughout as Depiro projected their offence onto centre Kameron Rooks who rose to double digits with multiple scores in the paint. At the other end of the court, Demcesen was the focal point for the Paolites after athletic openings from Mason Hix.

Depiro’s Cornelius used his experience to execute perfectly-timed mid-air interceptions and shift the ball forward as Depiro remained on top by four ahead of the final rubber.

This lead grew to 10 as the Mtarfa side looked more consistent in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter. The next ones would be a test of character after having failed to maintain their advantage after final-quarter pressure in the past two games. And it seemed the troubles would remain as Hix brought Hibs to within three with 2.03 to go. 

With 1.02 remaining, Axiaq scored all points from an and-one play, a foul which also gave Nikola Bozovic his marching orders, and Hibs the bonus. With 30 seconds on the clock, Farrugia hit from three and Hibs were now in front. 

Cornelius levelled with a corner three before coach Ruben Baldacchino called a time-out with one last play to keep the game from going into overtime. The plan worked as Cornelius was again the hero with a mid-range jumper, a second from time, to win the game.