A telling last quarter set the NSW Swifts up for a riveting 59-53 win over the SKYCITY Mystics in Auckland on Sunday.
The injection of shooter Caitlin Thwaites, in the final quarter, proved the difference. The Swifts showed their class in the closing minutes, the result confirming their status at the top of the Australian Conference.
Thwaites’ experience, accuracy and height gave the Swifts the edge in a thrilling contest where, despite the loss, the Mystics delivered their best outing of the season.
For the first time in several weeks, the Mystics had a full squad to choose from with Holly Fowler returning from injury to take up the goal defence bib.
The Swifts chose to leave fit-again captain Kimberlee Green on the bench at the start while opting for a shorter, mobile shooting circle with the versatile Stephanie Wood teaming up with the experienced Susan Pettitt under the hoop.
It was the home team who made the early running, playing with intensity, purpose and accuracy to hold a slight early edge. Defenders Anna Harrison and Serena Guthrie provided turnover opportunities before a late Swifts rally changed the dynamics.
On the back of a perfect shooting return from Pettitt, the Swifts went to the first break with a 14-12 lead.
Kayla Cullen replaced Fowler on the resumption for the Mystics with immediate effect, the home team opening proceedings with a five-goal scoring burst to forge a four-goal lead.
With defender Sharni Layton always a threat, and the visitors reverting to a shorter, sharper style on attack, a late rally spearheaded by Laura Langman and Pettitt helped the Swifts regain a slim 28-27 lead at the main break.
The lead changed hands several times during an absorbing and exciting third quarter. Back in action for the first time since Round 8, Green injected pace and vision for the Swifts but the Mystics refused to take a backward step.
With Harrison in the thick of action defensively and young wing attack Elisapeta Toeava showing fine distribution skills into the circle, the home team built a mini buffer but once again, the classy Swifts came roaring back.
Patience on attack and accurate finishing helped the Swifts level up at 41-all on the stroke of three-quarter time and with it the prospect of a thrilling run to the line.
