Kia Magic fend off spirited Mystics challenge
Kia Magic survived a strong challenge before subduing a gallant Northern Mystics 60-50 in Auckland on Monday.
Kia Magic had to wait until the final quarter before quelling a determined and committed Mystics, who came out all guns blazing and with nothing to lose. There was plenty more at stake for Kia Magic, battling to retain their top four spot but in the end, the flattering scoreline and at times unconvincing performance may stand them in good steed for the challenges ahead.
There were no surprises as Kia Magic presented with their settled line-up of recent weeks while Bailey Mes got the nod at goal shoot ahead of Cathrine Latu in the Mystics starting seven.
The hosts also reshuffled their defence line slightly due to the unavailability of Jess Moulds for the rest of the season through injury, the teenaged Jess Bourke lining up at goalkeeper, Kayla Cullen at goal defence and Julie Corletto, wing defence.
Mystics had the better of the opening exchanges, the home team showing a willingness to make a contest of it with a slick and accurate opening.
Belying their bottom of the table position, Mystics pushed the defending champions throughout the opening stanza, Kia Magic finally settling with a five-goal unanswered run to get back on level terms. The visitors were able to push out to a handy advantage through strong defensive pressure in the midcourt where wing defence Jodi Tod-Elliott was particularly impressive to forge a 15-11 at the first break.
Mystics continued to push Kia Magic all the way during a momentum swinging second stanza where there was plenty of intensity but both teams were guilty of sloppy turnovers. Mes repaid the faith in her selection with an impressive showing under the hoop on the back of good service from an attacking line playing with plenty of purpose and intent.
Kia Magic could find little rhythm on attack, their momentum stalled by the exploits of Bourke, Cullen and Corletto as the home team shadowed them all the way. Cullen distributed strongly through the midcourt as Mystics closed right up.
Kia Magic’s superior shooting percentage helped the visitors creep to a shaky 30-26 lead at the main beak.
The home team again produced most of the running in an enthralling third stanza. Kia Magic remained hesitant and flat on attack while Mystics challenged all the way, picking up a string of turnover ball to draw level.
Once again, a late quarter surge and Magic’s accuracy under the hoop helped the visitors regain the lead for a
43-40 lead at the last break.
Kia Magic saved their best until last, getting off to the perfect start in the run home with a five-goal unanswered streak as they finally moved into top gear. With Cullen forced off through injury and Corletto following soon after, Mystics lost their structure as Kia Magic started to deliver with more intent.
Defender Leana de Bruin had a strong outing throughout for the visitors, picking up extra turnover ball in the last quarter to help drive her team home and was well backed up by the tireless Tod-Elliott.
While Mystics enjoyed more attempts at goal, Kia Magic’s greater accuracy proved decisive with Irene van Dyk slotting 33 from 34 and Ellen Halpenny 27 from 30.
