Recap

In a thrilling BOV Division One clash on Sunday, Luxol edged Valletta, thanks to Caleb Jones McCrary’s late heroics. The match showcased high-intensity basketball, with both teams trading blows in a game that went down to the final seconds.

Luxol started strong, with Nathan Xuereb and Darron Howard firing from beyond the arc to establish an early lead. Jones McCrary’s dominance in the paint was evident as he racked up nine points in the first quarter, including a powerful dunk. However, Valletta’s Nikola Vasovic and Piotr Stelmach kept their side within reach, with Vasovic scoring six late points to tie the game 21-21 at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter saw Valletta gain momentum, led by Vasovic’s sharp shooting from beyond the arc. Nicholas Grech and Francesco Mifsud Bonnici also contributed key three-pointers, allowing Valletta to hold a narrow advantage. Luxol responded with Howard’s steady scoring and Jones McCrary’s consistent drives. Howard’s late jumper cut the deficit to 43-45 at halftime, keeping Luxol in contention.

The third quarter was a back-and-forth affair. Luxol’s Jones McCrary continued to dominate inside, scoring eight points in the period, including a reverse layup to tie the game at 57-57. Howard and Nenad Bukva added crucial baskets, but Valletta capitalised on turnovers with Grech and Stelmach combining for critical points. Howard’s clutch three-pointer in the final seconds brought Luxol within one at 65-66 heading into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter was a nail-biter, with the lead changing hands multiple times. Howard’s three-pointer gave Luxol an early edge, but Valletta responded through Vasovic and Grech. Xuereb and Marko Matijevic kept Luxol alive with timely baskets, while Jones McCrary’s late free throws tied the game at 83-83. Grech’s three-pointer put Valletta ahead, but Howard answered with another clutch triple to bring Luxol within one.

With just 10 seconds left, Jones McCrary powered through for a fast-break layup and calmly sank the ensuing free throw to give Luxol a 90-89 lead. Valletta’s final possession came up short, sealing Luxol’s dramatic win.

At the end of the game, Howard was presented with October’s BOV Player of the Month award for performances which included a triple-double against Athleta on October 6.