The fifth matchweek of the BOV National Men League brought the first round of the season to a close, delivering thrilling encounters and decisive results that shaped the early standings.

Luxol Sherries and The Plaza Depiro opened the matchweek with a competitive clash, with the Mtarfa side emerging as 85–72 winners to secure third place at the end of the opening round. Depiro were once again inspired by the prolific duo of Cornelius and Reddish-Rhone, who finished with 27 and 26 points respectively. Luxol fought hard, with Johnson and Smith both registering double-double performances — Johnson leading his team in scoring, while Smith dominated the rebounds.

Another nail-biting encounter saw Athleta AtoZ edge past Valletta Dream 102–99, thanks to a dramatic three-pointer by Ivan Medved in the dying seconds. Despite the absence of Goodman Jr, Athleta found a leader in Wesley Jordan, who delivered a superb 30-point, 15-rebound double-double. Valletta Dream also showed resilience, with Campbell and Murray both posting double-doubles, while Kieron Caruana contributed an impressive 21 points.

In the standout fixture of the round, Starlites Revive maintained their perfect record with a 99–87 victory over Hibernians in a top-of-the-table clash. Hibernians, coached on the day by Daniele Miani, were led offensively by Ajiboye and Simmons, who scored 22 and 18 points respectively. However, Starlites proved too strong, with Alec Felice Pace producing an outstanding display that included 29 points and seven three-pointers.

Results – Matchweek 5

• Luxol Sherries 72–85 The Plaza Depiro
• Athleta AtoZ 102–99 Valletta Dream
• Hibernians 87–99 Starlites Revive

With Round 1 now complete, Starlites Revive sit proudly at the top of the table with maximum points, while Hibernians drop to second place following their defeat. The Plaza Depiro climb back up to third, pushing Luxol Sherries into fourth. Athleta AtoZ’s dramatic weekend success sees them pull clear in fifth place, while Valletta Dream remain bottom of the standings, still searching for their first win of the season.