Recap

Caffe Moak Luxol pushed past Hibernians on Saturday as the challenge for this season’s MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League playoff spots continued.

Luxol set the tone early, with Brandy Lynn Huffhines delivering an impressive performance in the opening moments. She scored seven points consecutively, including a three-pointer, establishing Luxol’s early dominance. Hibernians quickly responded through Julija Dabic’s layup, and Andie Saliba’s fast-break three-pointer tied the game. However, Luxol regained control, with Josephine Diaby and Sarah Fenech Pace adding to the lead. Huffhines continued her scoring spree, extending Luxol’s advantage despite Hibernians’ efforts through Steffi De Martino and Dabic. By the end of the first quarter, Luxol led 34-21, thanks to Huffhines’ three-point shooting.

The second quarter began with Hibernians attempting to close the gap, led by Saliba’s scoring. She connected on free throws and followed with a three-pointer, narrowing the deficit. De Martino’s consistent contributions and Dabic’s presence in the paint kept Hibernians within striking distance. However, Luxol’s Huffhines remained relentless, scoring from all areas, while Diaby’s interior play added to the pressure. Despite late-quarter scoring from Maria Bonett and Saliba, Luxol ended the half ahead at 45-39.

Hibernians came out strong in the third quarter, with Dabic and Saliba leading the charge. Dabic’s second-chance points and Saliba’s three-point shooting energised the team. However, Luxol maintained their composure, with Huffhines continuing to convert jump shots and Fenech Pace excelling on fast breaks. Hibernians’ defensive lapses allowed Luxol’s Vanya Baldacchino and Diaby to capitalise, extending the lead to 68-48 by the end of the quarter.

The final quarter saw a spirited effort from Hibernians as they aimed to mount a comeback. Saliba’s three-point shooting and De Martino’s clutch scoring gave Hibernians a glimmer of hope. Kaya Calleja added two timely three-pointers, reducing the deficit to 14 points. However, Huffhines continued to dominate, surpassing 30 points with a mix of jump shots and three-pointers. Baldacchino’s contributions on the fast break further stifled Hibernians’ efforts. Despite their late surge, Hibernians could not overcome the early deficit, with Luxol securing the victory.