Kia Magic back in the winner’s circle
Kia Magic returned to winning ways in style, retaining second spot on the ANZ Championship table in the process, with a decisive 74-56 win over Mainland Tactix in Tauranga on Monday.
Magic rebounded from successive losses with a confident outing, absorbing a strong early Tactix challenge before taking control just ahead of halftime to reignite their play-off hopes.
The home team barely missed a beat with the switch of shooters Jo Harten and Ellen Halpenny in the second half, both delivering influential contributions and giving the team variety and options looking ahead. Both shot outstandingly with match returns of 40 from 44 and 34 from 36 respectively.
With their confidence building throughout, Magic turned on some dazzling attacking play while classy defenders Leana de Bruin and Casey Kopua came into their own in the latter stages.
Jamie-Lee Price was restored as the starting wing defence for Magic ahead of Bessie Manu while Tactix opted for Louise Thayer (goal defence) and Jane Watson (goalkeeper) as their in-circle defenders.
Magic had a battle on their hands through the opening exchanges, the visitors making them work hard for their goals. Once into the circle, shooters Harten and Halpenny provided the finishing touches with their timing and accuracy.
They were matched all the way at the other end by the slick Tactix attacking line where Jade Clarke, Keisha Grant and Anna Thompson provided a swift delivery to athletic and mobile shooter Mwai Kumwenda.
Playing a strong hand on defence, Price was able to get her hand on a couple of valuable deflections, giving the Magic a slight 16-13 edge at the first break.
The connections on attack between midcourters Courtney Tairi and Grace Rasmussen to Harten and Halpenny began to grow through the second stanza as Magic picked up the pace.
Magic continued to build handy little buffers but invariably were pegged back by the hard-working Tactix before the home team slowly assumed control. Errors crept into the Tactix game while Magic grew increasingly confident on attack in building a decent lead.
Malawi import Kumwenda continued to shine for the visitors but her supply of ball was eroded through the efforts of Price, who had a fine first half, Kopua and de Bruin.
Harten and Halpenny were on song under the hoop with returns of 25 from 27 and 11 from 12 respectively as Magic took a handy 36-26 lead into the main break.
Manu was introduced for Price in the second half while Harten and Halpenny swapped bibs in Magic’s shooting circle. For Tactix, replacement player Hannah Broederlow came on for Thayer but it was the home team who put their foot down.
With Kopua and de Bruin gaining more turnover ball, and the shooters slipping seamlessly into their new roles, Magic forged ahead.
Showing increased confidence through their midcourt and the switch in combination of Harten/Halpenny brought the ball speed and flow back to Magic’s game as they raced out to a 54-41 lead at three-quarter time.
