Bower debuts in loss to Mystics
Debutant Aisha Bower and her Kia Wiakato Bay of Plenty Magic teammates didn’t get the win they were hoping for, going down to the SKYCITY Mystics 54-49 on Monday night.
In the long-awaited clash of the top two teams in the Conference, the Kia Magic were left in chase mode as the Mystics produced their most cohesive start this season, to the delight of a home crowd in Auckland.
Renowned for the never-say-die attitude, the Kia Magic charged back into contention, but couldn’t quite bridge the gap.
Mystics goal attack Maria Tutaia was on song to start the game, whereas at the other end of the court the Kia Magic were troubled by the feistiness of Mystics defenders Serena Guthrie and Kayla Cullen.
A run of five swift goals from the Mystics deep in the first quarter helped create a nine-goal gap that the Kia Magic could not breach, and found themselves trailing 17-8 at the first break.
Desperate for a different strategy on defence, the Magic introduced young debutant Aisha Bower at wing defence to start the second spell.
It was the boost they needed, as gradually they sliced the difference from 11 to six – Leana de Bruin strangling the supply to Tutaia, while their shooters Joanne Harten and Malia Paseka finally got the ball they so coveted.
The Mystics had suddenly become guilty of not treasuring possession, and although they led 29-23 at halftime, they were all too well aware of the Kia Magic’s skill of bouncing back.
The Kia Magic clawed their way to within three goals on the resumption of play courtesy of some intelligent midcourt attack and defence from Price and Grace Rasmussen.
In the fading stages of the crucial third quarter, Mystics centre Laura Langman rallied her troops to go ahead 41-35 into the final spell.
The Kia Magic, although winning every quarter bar the first and drawing the third, were unable to reduce the deficit and now find themselves in a must-win situation on Monday night against the Mojo Pulse.
Fans are encouraged to turn out in force to support the Kia Magic in their final regular season home game next Monday night against the Mojo Pulse at Claudelands Arena in Hamilton –purchase tickets here!
Don’t forget schools can access a special ticketing offer for the match at Claudelands Arena. Bring your school team to the game and cheer on the Kia Magic – click here for promotion details
