Recap

Betsson Depiro delivered a commanding performance to defeat Athleta in the MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League on Saturday, marking a tough return for coach Adrian Baldacchino. Baldacchino, who stepped down from his role at Depiro before joining Athleta over the summer, faced a clinical display from his former team, led by Janai Crooms and Kristy Galea.

Depiro set the tone early in the first quarter, jumping to a 7-0 lead within two minutes. Crooms’ driving layups and Galea’s three-point shooting created early separation but Athleta responded through Kennedi Williams, whose 11 first-quarter points kept her side within reach. However, Depiro’s Julia Borg and Claire Ciantar capitalised on fast-break opportunities to extend the lead, closing the quarter at 28-15.

The second quarter saw Depiro maintain their dominance, with three-pointers from Neve Borg and Julia Borg Xerri pushing the lead. Crooms continued her excellent work in the paint, finishing off fast-break plays with finesse. Athleta struggled to generate offensive rhythm, with only scattered points from Nicole Vella and Williams breaking the drought. A late jump shot from Galea gave Depiro a commanding 43-25 halftime lead.

The third quarter was decisive, as Depiro went on an extraordinary 24-4 run. Ciantar and Crooms were the Mtarfa side’s engine, both scoring multiple baskets in the paint, while Borg showcased her range with back-to-back three-pointers. Depiro’s defensive intensity suffocated Athleta’s transition play, holding them to just six points in the frame. Depiro’s US import player Crooms capped the quarter with a late three-pointer, bringing her total to 21 points and giving coach Julian Naudi’s clan a 70-31 lead.

In the final quarter, Williams battled hard for Athleta, scoring seven of her game-high 26 points. However, Depiro’s depth continued to shine with Hannah Farag coming off the bench to contribute five points, including a reverse layup in the closing seconds. Despite Athleta’s late efforts, the gap was too large to overcome.