Starlites Edge Hibernians in Super Cup Thriller, 101-97

The 2025-26 season tipped off with fireworks on Sunday as Starlites GIG Naxxar overcame reigning champions Hibernians in a breathtaking 101-97 victory to claim the BOV Men's Super Cup. The matchup, played in front of a buzzing crowd at Ta' Qali Pavilion, showcased the impact of both teams' ambitious summer recruitment, but it was Starlites GIG' composure in the final minutes-and some crucial whistles-that ultimately sealed the silverware.

Starlites GIG introduced several new faces to their roster, and they delivered in spades. Travis Fee (192-F-1992) was unstoppable, finishing with a game-high 26 points, attacking the rim relentlessly and going perfect from the free throw line in the game's closing stages.

Joining him in the spotlight was Jackson Threadgill (198-G, college: App State), who racked up 22 points, including back-to-back three-pointers in a pivotal third-quarter run. His ability to hit from deep and in transition proved a key difference.

Returning guard Alec Pace (178-PG-1998) added a crucial 18 points, stabilizing the offense during key moments, while Musa Jallow (196-G-2000, college: Charlotte) impressed with 17 points, bringing athleticism and two-way energy.

For Hibernians, debutant Deonte Jackson (175-PG, college: LeTourneau) was in sensational form. The dynamic guard dropped 29 points, attacking off the dribble, finishing at the rim, and knocking down tough shots-including a late three-pointer that nearly reignited hope for the Paolites.

Elijah Simmons (198-F, college: OUAZ) (14 pts), Ayomide Ajiboye (196-F-2000, college: Roosevelt, agency: Interperformances) (14 pts), and Ivan Demcesen (216-C-1991) (14 pts) offered strong inside presence, while Piotr Stelmach (205-PF-1984, college: MSU) added 13 points, including a crucial three in the fourth quarter. But despite their balanced scoring, Hibs struggled to contain Starlites GIG' offensive versatility and fast-break efficiency.

Quarter Starlites GIG Hibernians

Q1 26 21

Q2 21 28

Q3 30 18

Q4 24 30

The opening quarter belonged to Starlites GIG, who surged ahead behind early buckets from Felice Pace and Jayden Iturmendi. By the end of Q1, they led 26–21.

The second quarter, however, saw Hibs take control, led by Demcesen and Jackson. Hibernians outscored Starlites GIG 28-21 to take a 49–47 halftime lead.

But the third quarter was where Starlites GIG made their decisive push. They outpaced Hibs 30–18, with Fee dominating inside and Threadgill turning defense into points. A dunk, two threes, and multiple fast-break scores gave Starlites GIG a 77-67 lead heading into the final frame.

The final quarter had everything: lead changes, clutch threes, and critical decisions. Jackson and Stelmach fueled a Hibernians comeback, capped by Neil Cassar tying the game at 85-85 with under five minutes remaining.

A quick response from Alec Felice Pace regained the lead for Starlites GIG, but Jackson's three-pointer pushed Hibs ahead 88–87 with 5:01 to play.

Then came the turning point. Multiple technical and personal fouls were called against Hibernians during this stretch-including one that led to Felice Pace hitting 3-of-3 free throws, flipping momentum once more.

Threadgill struck again from deep at the 3:17 mark, making it 92-91 for Starlites GIG. A layup from Felice Pace and free throws from Jallow, Fee, and Matthew Scerri kept Hibs at bay.

Despite one final triple from Jackson in the dying seconds, Scerri's final free throws sealed the win, handing Starlites GIG a thrilling 101-97 victory.

While the basketball on display was of the highest quality, the match was not without its contentious moments. The very first offensive action of the game saw a technical foul called on Hibernians head coach Christian Narciso, setting a surprising early tone. Later in the game, another 2 technical fouls and 2 doubtful unsportmanslike fouls were whistled towards Hibernians players, adding further tension to an already tightly contested battle.

The timing and frequency of the calls, particularly in a showcase like the Super Cup, disrupted the rhythm of what had otherwise been a spectacular duel between two top teams. Many observers were left feeling that a match of such magnitude should be decided by the players on the court, not by interruptions from the whistle.

Nonetheless, credit must go to Starlites GIG, who kept their composure under pressure, took full advantage of their trips to the line, and showed the maturity of a team ready to contend for more silverware this season.

Travis Fee 26 pts

Jackson Threadgill 22 pts

Alec Felice Pace 18 pts

Musa Jallow 17 pts

Matthew Scerri 11 pts

Jayden Iturmendi 6 pts

Marcus Duffy 1 pts

Isaac Felice Pace, Andrew Aquilina, Michael Fabri – scored no points

Deonte Jackson 29 pts

Elijah Simmons 14 pts

Ivan Demcesen 14 pts

Ayomide Ajiboye 14 pts

Piotr Stelmach 13 pts

Neil Cassar 6 pts

Matthew Attard 5 pts

Matthew Gouder 2 pts

Luke Farrugia scored no points