Depiro slam past Hibernians to book finals berth

BETSSON DEPIRO 80

HIBERNIANS                       49

(14-8, 19-15, 28-19, 19-7)

Betsson Depiro left no room for doubt in the decisive Game 3 of the MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s Playoff semi-finals, storming past Hibernians to book their place in the finals series against Starlites.

After the two sides had split the first two encounters, the top seed delivered a commanding display, marked by defensive tenacity and relentless scoring from Janai Crooms.

Hibernians briefly held the upper hand early on as Ashiala Jackson converted two free throws, but Julia Borg responded with a three-pointer to give Depiro their first lead.

Andie Saliba restored the Paolites’ advantage with a triple and free throw, yet Joselle Borg Cardona and Crooms levelled matters.

From there, Depiro’s rhythm began to build. Crooms gave her side the edge from the line, then added two close-range field goals to close the first quarter 14-8 in Depiro’s favour.

The second quarter saw Crooms maintain her momentum with a floating jumper and a string of successful free throws.

Kristy Galea then hit the first of her long-distance efforts, giving Depiro an 11-point cushion.

Hibs struggled to answer, with Saliba and Marie Buhagiar scoring in short bursts, but Galea’s second three-pointer and another jumper from Crooms pushed Depiro ahead 27-13.

Jackson and Jasmine Abela responded briefly, but Julia Borg’s second triple closed the half with Depiro firmly in control at 33-23.

After the break, Depiro surged further ahead.

Crooms scored back-to-back field goals in transition and powered her way to three more quick baskets in the paint.

Borg and Joselle Borg Cardona extended the margin, and though Hibernians tried to rally through Elena Cassar and Jackson from the line, Depiro remained in control.

Crooms continued her dominance under the rim, and Galea added a pair of jumpers and free throws to send Depiro into the final quarter up 61-42.

The fourth rubber became a showcase of Depiro’s depth.

Crooms scored six more points, including a second-chance tip-in, before Borg, Claire Ciantar, and Borg Cardona chipped in with further baskets.

With the result beyond doubt, Hibernians found consolation points through Jackson and Maria Bonett, but Neve Borg had the final say with a composed jumper in the paint.

Dark horses Starlites await in the finals as Depiro seek to avenge last season’s play-off disappointment.

BETSSON DEPIRO: Nicole Agius, J. Borg Xerri 6, J. Mallia, L. Sciberras 2, Noeleen Agius, C. Ciantar 4, J. Borg 9, N. Borg 2, K. Galea 13, J. Borg Cardona 4, J. Crooms 40.

HIBERNIANS: M. Buhagiar 2, E. Cassar 7, A. Saliba 12, J. Abela 3, M. Bonett 1, S. De Martino 2, K. Calleja, A. Jackson 22, K. Caruana, J. Dabic.

Referees: F. Ciurariu, W. Lim, N. Azzopardi.