SKYCITY Mystics (59) defeated Mainland Tactix (53)

Media Release
Monday 2 March 2015

Official Result & Statistics

Official Result: SKYCITY Mystics (59) defeated Mainland Tactix (53)

The Mystics have had to weather a southern storm tonight, overcoming a thundering Tactix team to win their opening match, 59-53 – and providing a thrilling end to the first round of the ANZ Championship.

Boasting a new-look midcourt with a mass of experience - thanks to newcomers Camilla Lees and English import Serena Guthrie – the Mystics proved they had the mettle to battle back from seven goals down. But the blistering first-half performance from the Tactix gave the crowd in Christchurch’s Horncastle Arena plenty to scream about, and the team plenty to build on.

Wing defence Guthrie, making her debut in both the Mystics and the ANZ championships, showed herself to be a huge asset to the Mystics defence, having a hand in rattling the Tactix on their centre pass-offs, and throwing herself at any loose ball when the game truly came down to the wire.

Under the guidance of new coach Sue Hawkins, a determined Tactix only seemed to run out of steam in the final minutes, after dominating the first quarter.

Despite some opening nerves for young rookie goal shoot Elsa Brown, the Mystics established a 3-0 lead from the get-go. But the Tactix had overhauled that after five minutes, through some tight defence around the Mystic’s circle, steered by Demelza Fellowes.

The Tactix’ newcomer goal attack Gemma Hazeldine showed no fear in her debut, proving herself a strong and assured partner for Mwai Kumwenda; the Malawi international also in glittering form - taking little time to show off her magnificent leap and clever lay-up skills.

Although they’d had to pick their way through the thick Mystics midcourt defence, the Tactix’ run of eight straight goals just before the first break gave them a confidence-boosting 17-10 lead at the end of the quarter.

Backs against the wall, the Mystics turned to the sage Cathrine Latu to improve their shooting statistics. With a more familiar attacking line-up, the Northerners closed the gap to within three – Laura Langman releasing the ball with more confidence to Latu and Maria Tutaia.

With the Tactix’ lead dwindling, Hawkins decided it was time to disrupt the Mystics’ rhythm, and brought on Jess Moulds and Bailey Mes (both former Mystics stars) as impact players at either end of the court. The change certainly stemmed the flow, and allowed the Tactix to stay in front at halftime, 29-26.

But Hawkins was still not content with her line-up, switching her shooters’ bibs, with Kumwenda going out to an unaccustomed role of goal attack. It was a tactic that was short-lived - resuming on a roll, the Mystics finally regained the lead and took a 43-40 lead into the final stanza.

The Tactix were by no means exhausted, though, and again drew even – Fellowes playing a crucial part in hindering the Mystics attack. But the Mystics showed a new patience and resolve, and with Guthrie’s tenacity on defence, and Tutaia and Latu’s innate understanding on attack, the visitors built a lead that was unassailable in the last five minutes.

Tactix shooting statistics:
Gemma Hazeldine 5/8 (63%)
Mwai Kumwenda 36/39 (92%)
Bailey Mes 12/16 (75%)

Mystics shooting statistics:
Elsa Brown 4/7 (57%)
Cathrine Latu 32/35 (91%)
Maria Tutaia 23/28 (82%)

MVP: Laura Langman (SKYCITY Mystics)

END

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