Recap

In a clash between Betsson Depiro and Starlites in the MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League, Depiro seized the victory with a decisive scoreline, powered by standout performances from new additions and returning stars.

Starlites started strongly with Sasha Lecuyer opening the scoring off a fast break. Janai Crooms, making her debut for Depiro, responded with a layup, showing the impact she would have throughout the game. Kristy Galea’s accurate free throws kept Depiro in control, while Julia Borg’s fast-break points helped build a 15-11 lead by the end of the first quarter. Borg’s closing three-pointer extended their advantage to seven points.

In the second quarter, Crooms’ presence became even more prominent as she continued to find the basket, making several key layups and jump shots. Depiro’s lead stretched to double digits as Neve Borg hit a three-pointer off a turnover, lifting the score to 26-16. Starlites’ Ylenia Bonett, returning from two seasons abroad, put points on the board with a hook shot, but Depiro remained relentless, with Crooms closing the half at 39-27 with a fast-break layup.

The third quarter saw Galea’s shooting from beyond the arc extend Depiro’s lead, while Joselle Borg Cardona, who joined the team as a replacement for Sophie Abela who departed the club to play overseas, added points in the paint. Despite Bonett’s efforts to chip away at the margin with consistent free throws and a layup, Depiro’s offensive rhythm continued. A well-timed three-pointer from Michela Zammit Cordina for Starlites brought the score closer, but Crooms and Galea answered with fast-break layups, pushing Depiro’s advantage to 54-42 at the close of the quarter.

In the fourth, Makaila Napoleon from Starlites attempted to ignite a comeback with solid free throws and layups, but Galea countered with a three-pointer, and Borg capitalised on turnovers to hit consecutive threes, widening Depiro’s lead to 65-48. Claire Ciantar furthered the gap with back-to-back layups, and Galea’s persistence in the paint brought the score to a dominant 71-50. Though Starlites managed a few late baskets, including a final three-pointer from Lecuyer, the deficit proved too difficult to overcome, and Depiro emerged with a comprehensive victory.