Five consecutive wins after five straight losses for the Magic
Almost identical scoreline to Round 7 encounter, won by Magic 58-57
MVP Jo Harten scores 40 from 43 (93%)
A In an almost carbon copy of their last nail-biting showdown, the Cold Power Magic have edged out the Mainland Tactix, 56-55, in Hamilton tonight.
The last time the two sides met, the Magic also won by one – and began their winning streak which now totals five games in a row. It’s a fairy-tale turnaround for a team who lost their first five games and have now cemented their place in the New Zealand Conference top three. But it wasn’t the inspiring, cohesive kind of victory that Magic captain Leana de Bruin was looking for from her side, as they surged then slipped back, allowing the Tactix back into the game – especially in the final two minutes. The battle of the night was between Magic shooter Jo Harten – who constantly created play and shot 40 from 43 – and Tactix goal keep Jess Moulds – tireless in defence, with 10 intercepts and deflections to her name. The Magic took the upper hand from the get-go, with de Bruin leading by example in disrupting the Tactix from settling into a rhythm until near the end of the quarter. But it didn’t stop Tactix goal shoot Mwai Kumwenda from throwing herself into everything - rebounding, deflecting and even bouncing off the goalpost in her quest to get the ball. The Magic attack established a six-goal lead through some astute feeding by Grace Rasmussen, and the faultless shooting of both Harten and Paula Griffin. Up 17-12 at the first break, the Magic found it harder to get the ball to their shooters in the second spell, with Moulds turning up the heat and nabbing two intercepts and four deflections. With the gap closed to two, the Magic made a tactical change bringing Ellen Halpenny into the shooting line-up for Griffin. Her drive and athleticism helped slow down the Tactix’ march and ensured the Magic were still in control, 30-25, at halftime. Opponents Harten and Moulds continued to be the centre of attention through the third spell – Harten making some clutch shots while Moulds remained a thorn in her side. The goal difference between the two sides barely altered, with the Magic up 43-37 at three-quarter time. But the Magic appeared to let their guard down in the final 15 minutes, and the Tactix gradually closed to within two goals with two minutes remaining. But time was not on their side.
Magic Shooting Statistics Paula Griffin 6/6 (100%) Jo Harten 40/43 (93%) Ellen Halpenny 10/11 (91%)
