Recap

Hibernians began the new calendar year with a comfortable victory against Valletta as their push for the playoffs continued.

The Paolites started strongly, with Steffi De Martino sinking an early three-pointer to take the lead. Valletta’s Milica Stefanovic quickly responded with free throws, keeping the game tight in the opening minutes. Maria Bonett and Andie Saliba combined for crucial points, with Saliba converting fast-break opportunities and De Martino adding another three-pointer to give Hibernians a slim advantage. However, Valletta’s Aleksandra Nikishina and Olesia Malashenko kept the pressure on with layups and a jump shot to ensure the first quarter ended 16-14 in Hibernians’ favour after an Ashiala Jackson score.

The second quarter saw Hibernians assert more control, with Jackson proving instrumental. Her ability to capitalise on turnovers and score consistently in the paint extended Hibernians’ lead. Bonett and De Martino continued to punish Valletta’s defensive lapses, while Dabic remained a force inside, adding free throws to widen the gap. Despite efforts from Valletta’s Kristina Malashenko, who scored on multiple possessions, Hibernians maintained their dominance. Late-quarter fast breaks from Dabic and De Martino pushed the lead to 45-27 at halftime.

Hibernians maintained their momentum in the third quarter, with Jackson continuing to shine. Her floating jump shots and fast-break layups, combined with Dabic’s efficiency around the rim, kept Hibernians in firm control. Valletta’s Malashenko showed resilience, contributing points through layups and free throws, but Hibernians’ balanced offence was too much to handle. A three-pointer from Jackson capped a dominant quarter, leaving Valletta trailing 69-42.

In the final quarter, Hibernians showed no signs of slowing down. De Martino and Jackson combined for fast-break points, while Dabic’s ability to convert turnovers into baskets extended the lead further. Malashenko continued to battle, adding to her tally with free throws and a layup, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Hibernians’ commanding performance. A late three-pointer from De Martino sealed the emphatic victory for Hibernians at the final buzzer.