Luxol 56

Alyssa Ashley Loyola 57

(12-9. 19-12, 11-16, 14-20)

Loyola followed up on their victory in the second encounter, this time with an even lesser margin. Only a mere point separated the two sides at the end of the game but it was enough for Loyola to lead the series and now they only need another victory from the last two matches to crown themselves as champions.

Once more it was Desarae Johnson with the winning hoop but on this occasion, Luxol had time to overturn the score. They were unable to do so and Loyola hung on grimly in the last few seconds to edge ahead on a 2-1 lead leaving the Violets wondering how they could get the better of their opponents as they did in the opening match of the series.

The two teams had the same formations as in their two previous finals.

The champions obtained the opening advantage going on to lead 6-1 Loyola made a couple of hoops and they also replied to Luxol’s next basket staying just a point in arrears.

Luxol opened up their lead once more with a brace of hoops with Loyola creeping back with a couple of free throws as the Violets stayed ahead but with a decreased advantage.

In the second session, Loyola’s attempts to make up the small leeway found a stumbling block despite netting a total of four hoops.

Luxol’s responses were better as Greta Zarb nailed a triple and Sarah Pace chipped in with two more. The last one started a good 9-0 run with more Robin Murphy points as the champions acquired a double figure advantage.

Christina Grima pulled back a brace of hoops for Loyola but Luxol were adamant and two more baskets before the end of the period restored their previous lead.

At the interval they were on a 31-21 advantage.

After the break, Luxol tried to keep their adversaries at a distance but Loyola surged forward and made up an 8-2 run to get within striking distance as Grima and Desarae Johnson brought their side back into contention.

The champions recovered with Beverlee Zammit sinking a trey. Loyola then made their free throws drawing closer once more.

With a session to go, the Violets held a favourable score at 42-37.

Loyola opened the last session briskly with an 8-0 run through Grima and Emma Moore. Murphy restored Luxol’s advantage with two hoops and, later on, it was Zammit once again with a triple. Loyola came steaming back led by Grima with a solid 10-2 run forging in front.

It was Murphy who turned the score yet again in favour of the champions late in the match. Johnson promptly pushed Loyola back in the lead.

There was still time left but Luxol’s last efforts failed to find their mark and Loyola defended stoutly to emerge victors and edge in front with a second win.

The fourth game in the series will be played next Sunday.

Luxol: 8  S. Pace, 10 M. Sciortino,  C. Medina, 6 B. Naudi, J. Busuttil Gaerty, G. Zarb, P. Ellul, 18 R. Murphy,  D. Muscat,  A. Paul, 8 B. Zammit

Loyola: 2  E. Moore, 29 C. Grima, 2 J. Doughty,   D. Hollier, 2 K. Tonna, A. Bonanno,  A. Sciberras,  F. Camilleri, 4 SJ Barbara, 16 D. Johnson

Referees: E. Mangani, A. Carbonaro, C. Terribile