Recap

The game opened with Hibernians immediately taking control. Jasmine Abela kicked things off, scoring on a fast-break layup, and Mikayla Brandon’s efficient inside play quickly added to Luxol’s challenges. Brandon and Steffi De Martino were relentless from the outset, stretching Hibernians’ lead to 8-0 within the first two minutes. Luxol responded with Lisa Fenech Pace’s jump shot, sparking a shift in momentum, followed by Vanya Baldacchino capitalising on a fast break to cut the deficit. Hibernians, however, kept Luxol at bay, with Brandon making free throws and converting driving layups, closing the first quarter with a 17-14 lead.

The second quarter saw Luxol inching closer, thanks to the persistence of Sarah Fenech Pace, who found success in the paint. However, Hibernians continued to push, with Maria Bonett’s inside play proving effective. Luxol attempted to close the gap with a three-pointer from Brandy Huffhines, bringing them within two points. But Hibernians answered with a scoring surge, courtesy of De Martino and Abela, building a solid 14-point lead by the end of the first half at 36-22.

After the break, Luxol displayed remarkable resilience. Huffhines began to find her rhythm, converting both inside and from beyond the arc. Her scoring flurry, which included a timely three-pointer, pulled Luxol back into contention, narrowing the gap to single digits. Sarah Fenech Pace and Anna Fenech Pace combined to keep the pressure on Hibernians, cutting the deficit to just three points by the quarter’s end. Despite Luxol’s valiant comeback, De Martino’s three-pointer in the final seconds reasserted Hibernians’ lead at 54-48 as the game headed into the last quarter.

In the fourth, Luxol continued to chase Hibernians, with Sarah Fenech Pace and Huffhines both capitalising on Hibernians’ turnovers. They reduced the gap to just two points with tenacity and quick transitions. But Hibernians’ stars came through when it counted. Brandon’s steady presence in the paint extended the lead once more, while De Martino added crucial free throws and fast-break points. Hibernians’ advantage grew to ten points in the closing minutes, and despite Huffhines’ late three-pointer, Luxol couldn’t bridge the gap. Baldacchino’s final free throws were not enough to prevent Hibernians from sealing a 66-60 victory.