Hibernians outlast Luxol to win Women’s John Tabone Shield

CAFFE MOAK LUXOL      60

HIBERNIANS                                   66

(14-17, 8-19, 26-18, 12-12)

After a run of impressive showings throughout the month of October by the two finalists, Hibernians came out on top as they beat Caffe Moak Luxol to lift this season’s Women’s John Tabone Shield trophy on Sunday at the Ta’ Qali Pavilion.

With Luxol’s Josephine Diaby still out injured and Sara Pace unavailable for Sunday’s fixture, Fenech Pace sisters Sarah and Anna were handed the challenge of Mikayla Brandon while Vanya Baldacchino became Steffi De Martino’s shadow throughout the encounter, guarding the Malta international very closely.

However, it was the Paolites duo who came out ahead nonetheless after top-scoring performances that saw Brandon lead the game with 27 points, as De Martino followed with 26 as both players finished the game with a double-double.

On the other hand, Luxol’s Brandy Huffhines overcame a slow start to lead her team’s scoring with 25 points ahead of Lisa Fenech Pace who was the only double-digit finisher for the Violets on the day. 

The game opened with Hibernians immediately taking control. Jasmine Abela kicked things off, scoring on a fast-break layup, and Brandon’s efficient inside play quickly added to Luxol’s challenges.

Brandon and 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 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 space in the paint to put up the points.

However, the Paolites continued to push, with Maria Bonett’s inside play proving effective. Luxol attempted to close the gap with a three-pointer from Huffhines, bringing them within two points. But Hibs 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 coach Winnie Buhagiar’s clan, cutting the margin to just three points by the quarter’s end.

Despite Luxol’s valiant comeback, De Martino’s three-pointer in the final seconds reasserted Hibs’ lead at 54-48 as the game headed into the last quarter.

In the fourth, Luxol continued to chase, 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’ top players 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 fastbreak points.

Hibernians’ advantage grew to ten points in the closing minutes, and despite Huffhines’ late three-pointer, an injury to Bonett, and Brandon fouling out, Luxol couldn’t bridge the gap. Baldacchino’s final free throws were not enough to prevent Hibs from sealing the victory and lifting the trophy.

CAFFE MOAK LUXOL L. Fenech Pace 10, S. Fenech Pace 9, B. Huffhines 25, S. Sciberras, A. Fenech Pace 8, G. Carabott, N. Vella, V. Baldacchino 8, R. Naudi.

HIBERNIANS M. Brandon 27, J. Abela 5, M. Bonett 6, S. De Martino 26, K. Caruana 2, M. Buhagiar, E. Cassar, A. Saliba, N. Farrugia.

Referees N. Azzopardi, N. Rincon, M. De Flavia.