Recap

A thrilling contest in the MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League saw Betsson Depiro secure a hard-fought 68-55 victory over Hibernians, propelled by a stellar performance from Janai Crooms. The win not only solidified Depiro’s position at the top of the standings but also highlighted their resilience in the decisive fourth quarter, where they outscored their opponents by 13 points. Hibernians, who now drop to fourth place, struggled to contain Crooms’ relentless energy and Depiro’s fast-break efficiency in the game’s critical moments.

Winnie Buhagiar’s Hibernians started strongly with Maria Bonett scoring the game’s opening basket on a fast-break jumper. However, Depiro quickly responded, with Crooms asserting her presence early. The Depiro import player dominated the first quarter, scoring nine of her team’s 18 points, including multiple fast-break layups that showcased her speed and precision. Depiro built an early lead, with Julia Borg adding six points from the perimeter, including two key three-pointers. Despite a late surge from Hibernians’ Andie Saliba, who scored five points in the final minute, Depiro ended the quarter leading 18-12.

The second quarter began with Crooms extending Depiro’s lead with another layup on a second-chance opportunity. Hibernians fought back, with Bonett capitalising on turnovers to add four points and bring her team within four. Free throws from Bonett and Saliba narrowed the gap further, but Depiro’s Borg again found her range, sinking a three-pointer that halted Hibernians’ momentum. Crooms continued her dominance, adding seven points in a late run that saw Depiro extend their lead to 34-28 by halftime.

In the third quarter, Hibernians mounted a determined comeback. Mikayla Brandon contributed a vital three-point play, and Saliba scored on fast-break opportunities, bringing Hibernians within one point midway through the period. Crooms, however, remained relentless, scoring critical baskets in the paint to maintain Depiro’s advantage. A three-pointer from Steffi De Martino gave Hibernians a brief lead, but Crooms and Borg quickly responded, closing the quarter with Julian Naudi’s clan narrowly ahead, 46-45.

The fourth quarter belonged to Depiro, with a decisive run that cemented their victory. Early baskets from Kristy Galea and Neve Borg set the tone, while Borg’s accurate shooting, including a late three-pointer, widened the gap. Hibernians struggled to counter Depiro’s defensive pressure, committing turnovers that Depiro converted into fast-break points. With Crooms leading the charge and Galea adding consistent contributions, Depiro surged ahead, outscoring Hibernians 22-9 in the final minutes. Despite late efforts from Brandon and Saliba, Depiro sealed the commanding victory.