The women’s basketball league saw Caffe Moak Luxol get the new year off to a positive start with an impressive all-round performance as they defeated Athleta to register their second consecutive victory of the season.

Luxol were inspired by an outstanding display from Olivia Wikstrom, who produced a dominant double-double of 27 points and 13 rebounds. The young pairing of Sarah Fenech Pace and Eve Axisa also played a key role, combining for 39 points to underline Luxol’s offensive depth.

Athleta, despite remaining winless, showed signs of improvement with five players finishing in double figures. New signing Macy Smith enjoyed a strong club debut, recording a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds and finishing just one assist shy of a triple-double.

Elsewhere, Betsson Depiro kept the title race firmly alive with another convincing victory, this time overcoming Valletta Dream. Claire Ciantar and Nicole Agius led the scoring for Depiro, with Ciantar also pulling down 11 rebounds. Sophie Abela narrowly missed out on a triple-double, finishing one point short. For Valletta, debutant Yin Shautung topped the game’s scoring with an impressive 29 points, while Adriana Caballero contributed a further 13.

League leaders Hibernians continued their flawless run with a strong win over Starlites Revive. Hailey Macleod led the Paolites with 25 points, while Josephine Diaby added a solid 15-point, 12-rebound double-double. Starlites fought hard, with Georgia Haverlock finishing with 24 points and 12 rebounds, and young Philippa Riolo chipping in with 14 points.

Results

• Athleta 73–84 Caffe Moak Luxol
• Valletta Dream 64–82 Betsson Depiro
• Starlites Revive 60–78 Hibernians

Standings Overview

The top three sides strengthened their grip on playoff places after collecting victories over the weekend. Hibernians remain unbeaten after seven games, followed closely by Betsson Depiro (6–1) and Caffe Moak Luxol (5–2). This weekend’s clash between Depiro and Luxol is shaping up to be a crucial encounter in the race for second place.

Starlites Revive (2–5) currently occupy the final playoff spot, with Valletta Dream (1–6) keeping the pressure on ahead of their upcoming head-to-head meeting. Athleta remain in sixth place and are still searching for their first win of the season.