Sports
Starlites crowned champions of the BOV basketball 1st division knockout competition 2026
Starlites have been crowned winners of the BOV Basketball 1st Division Knockout Competition 2026, following an intense week of intense single elimination competition that guaranteed high intensity and no second chances.
The Final, held at the National Basketball Pavilion in Ta’ Qali saw Starlites beat finalists Hibernians 93-83 in the final of the competition
In a balanced first half, Starlites led 51–43 at halftime, but Hibernians stormed out of the break, wiping out the deficit within two minutes as the score swung to 53–51, still in Starlites’ favour. The leaders steadied themselves and rebuilt control, taking a 71–64 advantage into the final period.
The fourth quarter delivered a surge of scoring, with Hibernians briefly threatening a comeback through Ivan Demcesen’s three point play and later baskets from Attard, Simmons and Ajiboke. But every push was met with a Starlites reply. A three pointer restored breathing room, ThreadGill added a powerful dunk, and Felice Pace struck from deep as the gap widened again. From there, Musa Jallow took over the contest. His alley oop finishes, repeated trips to the free throw line and relentless pressure on the rim kept Starlites firmly in command.
Hibernians stayed in touch through Gouder’s outside shooting and late free throws, but Starlites always had an answer, highlighted by two more alley oop connections with Jallow that effectively sealed the final. Demcesen scored the last basket of the night, but it was only a consolation as Starlites closed out the win.
At the conclusion of the match, the BOV Basketball 1st Division Knockout Trophy was officially presented to the champions by Ernest Agius, Chief Operations Officer at Bank of Valletta, and Paul Sultana, President of the Malta Basketball Association, underscoring the strong partnership between BOV and the national basketball community.
Jallow finished with 25 points and earned MVP honours, his athleticism and composure defining the closing stages of a final that Starlites controlled when it mattered most and was presented with a commemorative plaque for his performance.
The BOV Basketball Knock-Out Competition continues to be one of the most anticipated tournaments on the Maltese basketball calendar. Running between the 30th January and 10th February 2026, this year’s edition upheld its reputation for electrifying match ups, strong team rivalries, and a format that demands resilience, teamwork, and top level execution from every participating squad.
Bank of Valletta remains deeply committed to supporting Maltese sport and strengthening community engagement through long standing partnerships such as its collaboration with the Malta Basketball Association.
The Final, held at the National Basketball Pavilion in Ta’ Qali saw Starlites beat finalists Hibernians 93-83 in the final of the competition
In a balanced first half, Starlites led 51–43 at halftime, but Hibernians stormed out of the break, wiping out the deficit within two minutes as the score swung to 53–51, still in Starlites’ favour. The leaders steadied themselves and rebuilt control, taking a 71–64 advantage into the final period.
The fourth quarter delivered a surge of scoring, with Hibernians briefly threatening a comeback through Ivan Demcesen’s three point play and later baskets from Attard, Simmons and Ajiboke. But every push was met with a Starlites reply. A three pointer restored breathing room, ThreadGill added a powerful dunk, and Felice Pace struck from deep as the gap widened again. From there, Musa Jallow took over the contest. His alley oop finishes, repeated trips to the free throw line and relentless pressure on the rim kept Starlites firmly in command.
Hibernians stayed in touch through Gouder’s outside shooting and late free throws, but Starlites always had an answer, highlighted by two more alley oop connections with Jallow that effectively sealed the final. Demcesen scored the last basket of the night, but it was only a consolation as Starlites closed out the win.
At the conclusion of the match, the BOV Basketball 1st Division Knockout Trophy was officially presented to the champions by Ernest Agius, Chief Operations Officer at Bank of Valletta, and Paul Sultana, President of the Malta Basketball Association, underscoring the strong partnership between BOV and the national basketball community.
Jallow finished with 25 points and earned MVP honours, his athleticism and composure defining the closing stages of a final that Starlites controlled when it mattered most and was presented with a commemorative plaque for his performance.
The BOV Basketball Knock-Out Competition continues to be one of the most anticipated tournaments on the Maltese basketball calendar. Running between the 30th January and 10th February 2026, this year’s edition upheld its reputation for electrifying match ups, strong team rivalries, and a format that demands resilience, teamwork, and top level execution from every participating squad.
Bank of Valletta remains deeply committed to supporting Maltese sport and strengthening community engagement through long standing partnerships such as its collaboration with the Malta Basketball Association.
