In a rematch of the season-opening Super Cup, Starlites Revive once again prevailed over Hibernians to capture the John Tabone Shield, reaffirming their status as a dominant force and strong favourites for the season.
The much-anticipated final between the league’s top contenders lived up to expectations, featuring long scoring runs, fierce momentum swings, and standout individual performances on both sides.
HIBERNIANS 86
STARLITES REVIVE 95
(24-31, 16-17, 25-24, 21-23)
Hibernians’ offensive effort was led by Deonte Jackson, who put in a remarkable all-round display with 40 points on efficient shooting, keeping his side competitive throughout.
Matthew Gouder provided vital support with 17 points and a series of clutch baskets in the third quarter, while Ayomide Ajiboye added energy in transition.
Yet, despite their scoring output, the Paolites struggled defensively against the balanced attack of Starlites, who had contributions across the board, most notably from Travis Fee’s 24 points, Jayden Iturmendi’s long-range shooting, Jackson Threadgill’s composure in mid-range scoring, and Musa Jallow’s inside presence.
Starlites’ depth and poise under pressure proved decisive in sealing another early-season title.
Hibs began brightly through Elijah Simmons, whose early baskets gave them a 4-0 cushion before Jallow replied at the other end. Jackson soon joined the scoring, driving into the paint and finding success with a series of layups.
Starlites, however, found rhythm through Iturmendi’s perimeter shooting and Fee’s sharp finishing inside.
Gouder’s fast-break layup briefly restored the Paolites’ lead, but turnovers became costly as the Naxxar side capitalised with quick transition points.
Late in the quarter, Iturmendi, Ian Felice Pace, and Threadgill combined for a rapid 12-2 run that swung momentum decisively in their favour.
Despite Jackson’s late efforts to narrow the gap, Starlites ended the quarter firmly in control.
Coach Paul Ferrante’s Starlites carried their momentum into the second rubber with Fee striking from deep and Jallow continuing to assert himself around the rim.
Ajiboye and Jackson tried to halt the slide with key baskets, including a highlight reverse layup from Jackson, but Fee’s shooting accuracy and Threadgill’s composure maintained Starlites’ double-digit advantage.
Even as Jackson’s individual prowess shone through a deep three-pointer and a pair of free throws before the break, coach Christian Narciso’s Hibs entered halftime still chasing the game.
The third quarter re-opened play with intensity as Gouder sparked a Hibernians fightback, combining with Jackson in a flurry that cut the deficit to a single point at 49-50.
Their energy lifted their spirits and forced Starlites into an early timeout.
But Starlites’ experience soon told. Jallow’s inside scoring, Fee’s steadiness from the line, and Iturmendi’s timely three-pointer quelled the rally.
Hibernians momentarily trimmed the margin again when Gouder nailed back-to-back triples. Yet, Starlites responded swiftly through Felice Pace and Fee, restoring a comfortable cushion heading into the final rubber.
Jackson continued to shoulder Hibs’ scoring burden in the fourth, opening with a smooth fadeaway jumper, but Starlites’ offensive discipline remained relentless.
Fee’s tip-in and Threadgill’s mid-range shots extended the lead as the Paolites’ defence began to tire.
Gouder connected again from long range and Ajiboye fought for second-chance points, yet Starlites’ superior rebounding and execution in the half-court maintained their edge.
As the minutes ticked away, Threadgill, Iturmendi, and Jallow all struck in succession to extinguish hopes of another Hibernians comeback.
Ultimately, Starlites’ depth, balanced scoring, and composure under pressure secured their second major trophy in as many months.
HIBERNIANS N. Cassar 8, E. Simmons 6, A. Ajiboye 9, P. Stelmach, M. Gouder 17, D. Jackson 40, M. Attard, I. Demcesen 6, S. Simic.
STARLITES REVIVE A. Felice Pace 10, K. Fabri, T. Fee 24, A. Aquilina, I. Felice Pace 10, M. Fabri 0, M. Scerri 5, J. Iturmendi 18, J. Threadgill 14, M. Jallow 14.
Referees B. Vassallo, Z. Dobrosaviljevic, M. De Flavia.
