Recap

In a repeat of the John Tabone Shield final, Caffe Moak Luxol and Hibernians went head-to-head in a tightly contested fixture that saw each team trade scoring runs and crucial baskets, with Luxol ultimately taking revenge and emerging victorious.

The game’s momentum shifted frequently, keeping the outcome uncertain until the final seconds. Hibernians opened the scoring, with Steffi De Martino and Mikayla Brandon setting the pace early, combining for multiple fast-break points to give Hibernians a 1-7 lead. Luxol’s Anna Fenech Pace responded with a layup, but Hibernians maintained control, pushing their lead midway through the first quarter. Brandy Lynn Huffhines began to find her rhythm for Luxol, converting a floating jump shot from a turnover to cut the deficit to five points. However, together with free throws from De Martino, Brandon ended the quarter with a fast-break layup, giving Hibernians a solid 9-18 lead.

In the second quarter, Luxol started to rally. A quick succession of layups from Fenech Pace and Nolene Vella trimmed the lead to 13-18. Huffhines was instrumental in keeping Luxol competitive, adding points from the free-throw line and a steady jumper, while De Martino continued to score inside for Hibernians. Luxol’s Lisa Fenech Pace, with a three-pointer, and Vanya Baldacchino’s jump shot tied the game at 24-24. Although Hibernians briefly regained the lead, Huffhines nailed a jump shot to level the score at 26-26. However, De Martino’s three-pointer in the closing seconds restored Hibernians’ lead, ending the half at 26-29.

The third quarter saw Huffhines step up for Luxol, sinking a three-pointer to tie the game again. Luxol then went on a scoring run, with Huffhines scoring off turnovers and Lisa Fenech Pace’s jump shots helping to push Luxol’s advantage to 40-36. Hibernians’ Elena Cassar and Brandon fought back, but Luxol’s Baldacchino capitalised on turnovers to give them a slight edge at 46-44 entering the final quarter.

In the fourth, Huffhines opened with a three-pointer, extending Luxol’s lead to seven. Brandon answered with a triple of her own, bringing Hibernians within four points. Luxol maintained a slim lead, with Anna Fenech Pace and Rebecca Naudi adding crucial free throws. Hibernians’ De Martino kept her team within striking distance, driving to the basket and executing key layups. A free throw by Naudi and another jump shot from Lisa Fenech Pace gave Luxol a narrow 63-61 lead. Hibernians tied it up at 63-63, but in the final seconds, Huffhines calmly executed a step-back jumper, sealing the game for Luxol.