Betsson Depiro successfully defended their Women’s Knock Out title with a commanding performance over Starlites on Sunday at the Ta’ Qali Pavilion, showcasing their firepower as the Women’s League leaders ahead of the final play in the regular season.
STARLITES 59
BETSSON DEPIRO 79
(10-16, 16-22, 17-21, 16-20)
From the outset, Janai Crooms asserted her influence, putting Depiro on the board with a pair of free throws before adding a layup in the paint. Makaila Napoleon responded for Starlites with a three-pointer, igniting early energy for the challengers.
However, Julia Borg’s triple and Crooms’ efficiency inside extended Depiro’s early edge.
Peter Shoults’ Starlites attempted to stay within striking distance, with Ylenia Bonett finishing a fast-break layup and Napoleon converting from the line.
Yet, Depiro remained in control, using their depth to maintain their lead. Crooms continued to dominate the paint, capitalising on second-chance opportunities, while Claire Ciantar’s fast-break points stretched the margin. At the end of the first quarter, Depiro led 16-10.
Kristy Galea made an immediate impact in the second rubber, drilling a three-pointer off a second-chance opportunity to extend Depiro’s advantage.
Napoleon and Bonett remained Starlites’ primary offensive threats, with Bonett sinking consecutive free throws. Still, Depiro’s transition offence kept them ahead, as Borg and Ciantar converted on the break.
Michela Zammit Cordina provided a spark for Starlites with back-to-back baskets, cutting the gap to single digits.
However, Julian Naudi’s Depiro found an answer each time, with Borg draining another fast-break three-pointer and Crooms remaining unstoppable inside.
A late three-pointer from Sasha Lecuyer momentarily trimmed the deficit, but Depiro closed the half firmly in control at 38-26.
Starlites looked for a way back in the third quarter, with Zammit Cordina’s early three-pointer offering a glimmer of hope.
However, Depiro’s response was swift. Crooms continued to dictate the pace, scoring inside while Galea’s hook shot on a fast break reinforced their authority.
Bonett kept Starlites in contention, proving effective in the paint with second-chance layups and finishing off turnovers.
With her efforts, Starlites managed to reduce the deficit to just eight points at one stage, but Depiro’s composure under pressure ensured they never let go of control. Crooms and Ciantar responded with key baskets, while Borg remained a factor in transition.
As the third quarter closed, Depiro had restored their comfortable lead at 59-43.
The final quarter saw Depiro extinguish any hopes of a Starlites comeback. Leanne Sciberras hit first before Zammit Cordina responded.
But Crooms extended the Mtarfa side’s lead further at the free-throw line. Napoleon and Bonett continued to fight for Starlites, but Depiro’s relentless pace and scoring depth proved too much to handle.
Borg and Galea remained influential down the stretch, contributing crucial points to cement Depiro’s control. In the final moments, Nicole Agius added the finishing touch with a last-second tip-in, sealing a solid victory.
STARLITES: S. Lecuyer 6, M. Riolo 4, C. Cilia, P. Riolo 1, M. Zammit 16, M. Napoleon 18, Y. Bonett 14.
BETSSON DEPIRO: N. Agius 6, J. Borg 4, L. Sciberras 2, C. Ciantar 10, J. Borg 12, N. Borg, K. Galea 9, J. Borg 7, J. Crooms 29.
Referees: F. Ciurariu, N. Azzopardi, M. De Flavia.
