Tata Motors Loyola 78

Bupa Luxol 82

(14-17, 18-18, 22-26, 24-21)

The opening match in the Men’s league resulted in a thrilling game, with the Violets just edging out their opponents, after a close fought encounter.

The two sides were close all the way, except after the interval, when the Violets obtained a handsome advantage, which was wiped out by Loyola till the end of the match, but Luxol just held out, to grab their victory.

There were excellent performances by the two Americans, along with Luxol’s Lee Ross. Jeron Belin was the Violets’ saviour once more, and Rashanti Harris did not deserve to end up on the losing side.

Loyola had just the one missing player, Clint Cassar. Luxol had Andrew Micallef Trigona just on the bench

Soon after the start Shawn Pace netted a triple for Loyola, and they held a lead until Ross took the teams back on level terms, on a 7-7 score. Loyola regained their advantage, but Luxol twice went back in front, the second time after a Belin trey.

Loyola did draw level, but by the session’s end it was the Violets who forged in front. Pace sank a second triple for Loyola in the second period.

The match was drawn on three more occasions, as both sides stayed close to each other. Harris gave Loyola a further advantage, but a 7-0 run, by Marco Mercieca and Belin, had Luxol ahead. Pretty soon after Loyola were close yet again, breathing down Luxol’s necks.

Belin gave the Violets a slightly better lead by the interval, at 35-32.

After the break Luxol began to edge away, after a solid 13-2 run, with a couple of Belin triples. Joshua Anastasi and Billy Zammit also netted treys for Loyola, in a 10-4 run, but Luxol’s reaction brought about a 7-0 run, with a Ross trey. Then Harris took over, and Loyola were back in the game, after a 10-2 run, for a 81-54 score to the Violets.

The final session was not short of excitement. Luxol held on to their advantage until Harris dragged his side closer again. Luxol opened up their lead, and kept their opponents just far enough, as the time wound down. Loyola put in their last desperate efforts, and Pace’s next two triples had them in with a shout. Loyola’s last game plan was foiled, with Ross taking possession, and then he drove home the last free throws of the match, to seal Luxol’s victory.

Loyola: 15 S. Pace, 5 B. Zammit,3 D. Camilleri, S. Borg, L. Azzopardi, S. Vella, A. Axiaq, GL Cuschieri, 7 J. Anastasi, J. Ransley, 45 R. Harris

Luxol: 6 CJ Cordina, 10 M. Mercieca, 36 J. Belin, A. Micallef Trigona, 26 L. Ross, A. Costa, N. Vasovic, T. Paris, M. Attard Montalto, E. Caruana Montaldo, 4 JP Bonnici, S. Cappello

Referees: G. Barbara, A. Carbonaro, C. Terribile