Luxol end group games with win over champions
Starlites JSD 67 Caffe Moak Luxol 71 (12-16, 10-21, 20-19, 25-15)
For Luxol it was their last commitment in the group games. They were already assured of a place in the Play Off semi-final, but their opponents are not yet known, after their victory over their rivals in recent years, the champions, Starlites. Luxol had suffered four defeats previously against Starlites, including the Super Cup, but they could boast of a victory in the John Tabone Shield final.
Starlites needed a victory to stay in sole leadership in the standings, although their last game, against Depiro, next week, was always of utmost importance in who was going to gain an automatic entry in the Play Offs final, by topping the league table.
Both sides had several players who had been involved in the U/19 Ladies league final, in midweek, won by the Violets, and both teams were missing players for this encounter, with Starlites having to do without Michela Zammit Cordina and Ylenia Frendo, whilst luxol were missing Sarah Fenech Pace and Ella Abela.
When Luxol extended their advantage, at the start of the second period, Starlites had some real chasing to do as they were falling steadily behind.
Luxol had control of the match till soon after the start of the last quarter, when the champions staged a comeback, which fell just short of a hoop, with the Violets recovering just enough in the final seconds to thwart Starlites' efforts to save the game.
Luxol were more composed at the start, with their American, Tayler Bennet, being everywhere on court, to lead them to first session lead, as starlites were missing their mark on several basket attempts. The next session had a big bearing on the final score.
Luxol edged away to establish a double figure advantage, despite Starlites' efforts to get to grips in the match. Bennett still held sway, with her opponents unable to control her scoring spree. At the interval Luxol led 37-22.
After the break there was no let off for the champions, although they managed to halt Luxol's progress in scoring, but they couldn't make any headway in reducing their deficit.
It was Starlites' American, Paige Cannon, to keep them floating, as she took on the Luxol defence singlehandedly, but her side were still 42-56 behind in the last session. Luxol seemed to have the measure of their adversaries at first, holding on to their comfortable lead, when Starlites staged a good recovery.
Making up a 10-0 run they were suddenly back in contention. they went on to just a single hoop behind, when Luxol had two saviours, who kept their cool on the free shot line, when the champions tried to stop the clock.
Bennett and Anna Fenech Pace netted both their free throws, to keep just enough ahead, and keep Starlites from going into overtime.
A fitting ending for them to concentrate on their Play Off semifinal, against whoever is going to face them.
Starlites: M. Riolo 4, A. Saliba 9, M. Fenech, M. Bonett 10, S. De Martino 9, P. Cannon 31 P. Riolo, C. Cilia, M. Sciberras, C. Curmi 4
Luxol: T. Bennett 39, M. Mercieca 2, L. Fenech Pace, H. Galea,N. Vella 4, M. Camilleri, J. Diaby11, V. Baldacchino, S. Sciberras, S. Farrugia 2, A. Fenech Pace 10
Referees: F. Ciurariu, D. Farrugia