Recap

Luxol surged to a commanding victory over Valletta in a one-sided affair on Saturday at the Ta’ Qali Pavilion, highlighted by consistent scoring and suffocating defence. The absence of Valletta’s US import Janae Barnes was evident as Luxol capitalised on turnovers and dominated the paint.

The game opened with Luxol immediately asserting their dominance. Lisa Fenech Pace struck first with a layup, followed swiftly by Anna Fenech Pace and Brandy Lynn Huffhines, the latter sinking an early three-pointer. Huffhines maintained her form with a fast-break layup and another three-pointer, pushing Luxol into a stunning 13-0 lead.

Valletta’s Taisiia Nikishina finally broke their scoring drought with a layup, but Anna Fenech Pace and Sarah Fenech Pace continued Luxol’s assault, extending their lead to 28-4 by the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter showcased more of the same, with Luxol converting turnovers into fast-break points. Nolene Vella and Vanya Baldacchino executed layups with precision. Valletta’s struggles were exemplified by their limited offensive production, with Maria Mifsud managing a few key contributions. At halftime, Luxol led 48-11, leaving little doubt about the game’s outcome.

Luxol’s pace persisted in the third quarter, with Josephine Diaby and Jada Said scoring effortlessly from fast breaks. Lisa Fenech Pace continued to pile up the points in the paint, and Said added back-to-back three-pointers to extend the gap to 79-13. Despite sporadic scoring from Valletta’s Abugrin and Nikishina, the deficit only grew larger.

In the final quarter, Huffhines opened with a quick three-pointer, followed by Baldacchino’s string of layups. Michela Marmara chipped in with two long-range efforts, and Gwen Carabott capped the game with a three-pointer of her own.