Recap

Luxol Sheries Estates continued their strong start to the new season with another win over AtoZ Athleta on Sunday.

The Violets opened with a commanding start, establishing a 10-0 lead within the first three minutes. Darron Howard ignited the run, driving into the paint and scoring twice, while Caleb Jones McCrary capitalised on turnovers to deliver fast-break layups, adding to the momentum. Stefan Cappello then contributed with a layup, extending the score to 12-0 before Robert Vitale’s three-pointer finally broke Athleta’s scoring drought.

Athleta gradually chipped away at Luxol’s early advantage, with Kurt James leading the charge. A string of consecutive baskets from Caleb Matthews and James, including a couple of fastbreak layups, narrowed the gap to 15-9. Luxol responded with another surge, Howard hitting a crucial three-pointer followed by Nathan Xuereb’s long-range effort, regaining an eight-point margin. By the close of the quarter, Howard’s shooting saw Luxol finish strong at 27-19.

The second quarter saw Athleta press hard, particularly through James, who managed a solo nine-point streak, converting layups and free throws off turnovers to bring Athleta within four points at 32-28. However, Luxol’s Howard answered back with steady free throws and a critical three-pointer, reinforcing his scoring output and stretching Luxol’s lead. Vukasin Jandric contributed back-to-back threes late in the quarter, giving Luxol a cushion as they went into halftime ahead at 47-40.

In the third quarter, Luxol continued their assertive play, with Jandric sinking two quick three-pointers to establish a 10-point lead. Cappello’s strong finishes in the paint and Jones McCrary’s powerful dunk extended Luxol’s advantage to 14 points. Despite James’ persistence for Athleta, hitting a clutch three-pointer and converting a free throw, Luxol’s balanced scoring from Xuereb and Cappello ensured a 76-65 lead going into the final quarter.

Athleta fought back strongly in the fourth, led by a relentless James, who racked up points at every opportunity. With six minutes remaining, his layup off a turnover brought Athleta within five points.

In the closing moments, Howard calmly converted four free throws to protect Luxol’s narrow lead. Although Matthews responded with two clutch free throws for Athleta, Jones McCrary’s last-second free throws sealed Luxol’s hard-fought victory.