Adelaide Thunderbirds (51) draw SKYCITY Mystics (51)

Media Release
Sunday 15 March 2015

Official Result & Statistics

Official Result: Adelaide Thunderbirds (51) draw SKYCITY Mystics (51)

In a remarkable twist, the Adelaide Thunderbirds produced the second draw of the round when chasing down the SKYCITY Mystics to finish on level terms at 51-all in Adelaide on Sunday.

Seemingly down and out, the Thunderbirds climbed off the canvass with a telling late burst to deny the visitors a first-ever win in Adelaide and to ensure they didn’t start the season with three straight losses.

Leading by as many as eight goals during the last stanza, the Mystics looked on track to record their first win in Australia in almost three years in a record-breaking match for their inspiring midcourter Laura Langma who notched her 108th ANZ Championship cap.

Showing their never-say-die attitude, the Thunderbirds peeled off five straight goals in the space of one minute 40 seconds to leave the Mystics struggling to comprehend how they could have let slip a golden opportunity to pocket a rare win in Australia.

Struggling with injury problems, the Thunderbirds opted for Amy Steel to start at goal defence while shooter Cathrine Latu, coming back from appendix surgery, made her first start of the season.

The home team were more fluid through court in the opening exchanges, their opponents taking a measured approach in a goal-for-goal start. The Thunderbirds twice slipped out to two-goal leads but could not put their foot down as they failed to make the most of their turnover opportunities.

Mystics goal attack Maria Tutaia showed her ability from long range, a four-goal scoring streak helping the visitors snatch a 14-12 lead at the first break on the back of a better conversion rate.

It was the Mystics who stole a march during the second quarter before having to fend off a spirited Thunderbirds comeback. With Latu showcasing her agility on the baseline through fine footwork and handling skills and her intuitive understanding with Tutaia, the visitors grew in confidence.

Strong drives from Langman and Millie Lees delivered seamless ball to the shooters who helped propel the Mystics out to an eight-goal lead. Unable to stem the flow prompted changes for the home team, Kate Shimmin being introduced at goal defence and Leigh Waddington at centre as the Thunderbirds looked to turn the tables.

The changes provided the impetus with Waddington playing a strong hand on attack while shooters Erin Bell and Carla Borrego combined with a forceful showing. The home team strung together a run of five straight goals to narrow the Mystics half-time lead to 27-25.

The re-energised Thunderbirds made a real game of it during the third stanza, Shimmin having an impact defensively as the home scored the first three goals on the re-start to level the scores.

A right royal tussle ensued in a tense goal-for-goal contest. Bell and Borrego found their range under the hoop while Tutaia continued to impress from long range at the other end.

With plenty of feeling developing between the combatants, odd lapses and shooting wobbles proved costly for the Thunderbirds. The Mystics pounced with a mini-break, three straight goals helping push them out to a 40-37 lead at the last break and the prospect of an exciting run to the line.

Thunderbirds shooting statistics:
Carla Borrego 34/41 (83%)
Erin Bell 17/23 (74%)

Mystics shooting statistics:
Cathrine Latu 28/29 (97%)
Maria Tutaia 23/28 (82%)

Chemist Warehouse MVP: Laura Langman (Mystics)
END

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