Recap

Starlites JSD clinched a nail-biting victory over Luxol Sherries Estates in a fiercely contested BOV Division One matchup, handing Luxol their first defeat of the league campaign after a bright start under coach Duncan Fenech. Despite an inspired performance by Nathan Xuereb, Starlites’ collective effort and defensive composure proved decisive.

The game began with Luxol taking the early initiative, as Darron Howard and Caleb Jones-McCrary combined for quick points inside the paint. However, Starlites found their rhythm soon after, with Joe Davis and Ian Felice Pace spearheading a strong response. Davis’ accuracy from deep and Felice Pace’s fast-break threes sparked a dominant run, allowing Starlites to build a 17-8 lead midway through the first quarter. Luxol fought back through Xuereb’s precise shooting, including two crucial three-pointers, but Davis’ buzzer-beating trey ensured Starlites ended the quarter ahead, 27-20.

In the second quarter, Luxol’s hopes of a comeback were kept alive by Xuereb, who continued to score with unerring consistency. Howard added a pair of fast-break layups, narrowing the gap to just four points. Starlites, however, responded with a surge of their own. Trevon Reddish capitalised on second-chance opportunities to extend the lead, while Davis’ shooting clinic—including a fadeaway three-pointer—gave Starlites a double-digit cushion. Caleb Jones-McCrary’s dunk in the final seconds of the half provided Luxol some momentum, but they trailed 47-35 at halftime.

The third quarter saw Luxol launch a spirited comeback. Howard’s drives into the paint and a timely three-pointer cut the deficit to just five points. Jones-McCrary’s relentless work inside the key brought Luxol within a single point, but Starlites remained composed. Matthew Scerri’s timely baskets, combined with Reddish’s free throws, allowed Starlites to hold onto a slim 59-55 lead entering the final period.

Luxol continued their push in the fourth, with Xuereb delivering under pressure to bring his side within striking distance. However, Davis once again proved the difference-maker. His step-back jumpers and composure from beyond the arc kept Starlites narrowly ahead. Despite Xuereb’s heroics from the free-throw line, which brought Luxol within a single point in the dying moments, Starlites held firm. Andrew Aquilina’s late free throw sealed the game, handing Starlites a hard-fought victory.