Recap

Valletta Lionesses pushed Hibernians to the limit before the latter pulled away in the final quarter to secure an important victory in the weekend’s final MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League game. Despite Valletta’s strong resistance, Hibernians found crucial baskets late in the game to create a decisive gap.

Sara Kankaras opened the scoring for Valletta with a mid-range jumper, but Julija Dabic quickly responded inside for Hibernians. Dabic was instrumental early on, scoring consistently from the paint and the free-throw line to give Hibernians an early edge. Aleksandra Nikishina kept Valletta within reach with a jumper in the paint, but Hibernians maintained control through fast-break finishes from Dabic and Ashiala Jackson. Jasmine Abela then connected from deep to push the lead to eight before Steffi De Martino capitalised on a second-chance opportunity to end the first quarter with Hibernians ahead 15-5.

Hibernians continued to impose their rhythm in the second quarter, as Maria Bonett and Dabic extended the margin with back-to-back fast-break layups. Jackson was dominant in the paint, finishing off turnovers to stretch the gap to sixteen. Valletta attempted to rally through Hayley Grixti’s jumper, while Olesia Malashenko provided a boost from the free-throw line. Malashenko’s second-chance points inside helped Valletta stay within striking distance, but Hibernians’ efficiency at the line, combined with De Martino’s persistence, ensured a 30-17 lead at halftime.

Valletta came out aggressive in the third quarter, with Malashenko leading the charge. She drained consecutive three-pointers to cut the deficit to seven, forcing Hibernians into a timeout. Despite Bonett and Dabic momentarily restoring control, Malashenko continued to fuel Valletta’s surge, adding another basket from the paint to bring the difference to three. Nikishina tipped in a second-chance effort to bring Valletta within one, but De Martino’s quick response and Bonett’s outside shooting helped Hibernians stay ahead. Valletta fought to keep up, with Grixti and Malashenko finding the mark, but Hibernians closed the quarter strongly, entering the final period with a 45-37 advantage.

Valletta carried their momentum into the fourth quarter, with Nicole Caruana finishing consecutive layups to bring them within four. Malashenko converted inside to make it a two-point game, but Kaya Calleja drained a three-pointer to give Hibernians breathing space. Malashenko again fought back at the line, but De Martino silenced the Valletta comeback attempt with a deep three-pointer. Hibernians then found another gear, with Dabic and Jackson scoring inside to restore a double-digit lead. Valletta struggled to maintain their earlier intensity, and as the game wore on, Hibernians took full control, capping off the victory with late baskets from Dabic and Jackson to seal the victory.