The second round of fixtures in the John Tabone Shield brought an exciting Sunday afternoon of basketball, filled with intense matchups, standout performances, and crucial wins in both the women’s and men’s categories.

𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧

The day tipped off with a competitive clash between Hibernians and Betsson Depiro, where the Mtarfa side claimed a 69-60 victory after a strong second-half surge.

• Sophie Abela led the way for Depiro with 23 points and 8 rebounds, while Lovely Sonnier added 22 points and 9 rebounds in a dominant display.
• For Hibernians, Andrea Saliba impressed with 22 points at an impressive 70% shooting efficiency from the field.

In the second matchup, Caffe Moak Luxol opened their campaign in commanding fashion with a comprehensive win over Athleta.

• Luxol’s Wickstorm delivered a monstrous double-double of 38 points and 21 rebounds, setting the tone for Roderick Vella’s team.
• Athleta’s Booth also managed a double-double with 15 points and 14 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to stop Luxol’s momentum.

📊 Results:

• Hibernians 60 – 69 Betsson Depiro
• Athleta 46 – 82 Caffe Moak Luxol

𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐞𝐧

Starlites Revive continued their unbeaten run, topping their group with an impressive 112-79 victory over Luxol Sherries Estates.

• Coach Paul Ferrante’s team had seven players reaching double digits, underlining their depth.
• Jackson Threadgill led the charge with 21 points, while Luxol’s debutant Johnson stood out with a massive 32-point performance. Luxol will now battle The Plaza Depiro next week for a place in the semi-finals.

In the other group, Athleta AtoZ kept their semi-final hopes alive with a 95-86 win against Valletta Dream.

• Wesley Jordan powered Athleta with a 33-point, 12-rebound double-double,
• while Campbell shone for Valletta with a 39-point explosion.
  Valletta must now defeat holders Hibernians next week to stay in the race for qualification.

📊 Results:

• Starlites 112 – 79 Luxol Sherries Estates
• Athleta AtoZ 95 – 86 Valletta Dream

𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐢-𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐬 𝐔𝐩 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐬 🏆

With just one round of group matches remaining, the race to secure the remaining semi-final spots is heating up. The next fixtures promise more drama, big performances, and decisive moments in the 2025 John Tabone Shield.