Official Result: Kia Magic Vs. Southern Steel

Official Result & Statistics

Official Result: Kia Magic (71) def Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel (69)

Kia Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic were forced to take the hard route to Monday’s New Zealand Conference Final after posting a thrilling extra time 71-69 win over the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel in Hamilton on Saturday.

Magic will meet New Zealand Conference ladder leaders SKYCITY Mystics after completing an impressive fourth quarter comeback to leave the scores all tied up at 58-all at the end of regular time.

Trailing by six goals at three-quarter time, the outlook was looking grim for the hosts but the injection of Ellen Halpenny (goal attack) and Aisha Bower (wing defence) had the desired effect.

Halpenny offered an experienced head and composure to steady the Magic ship. The first seven minutes of extra time ended in a 63-all stalemate, the Magic going on to take the edge in the second half after they scored the first three goals.

Steel showed their value, having their chances in regular time, but lapses in the heat of extra time proved costly as they suffered their third loss of the season to Magic.

There were no surprises in either of the two young line-ups. Malia Paseka and Kristiana Manu’a got the nod at goal attack and goalkeeper respectively for the Magic while the Steel retained their familiar starting seven of recent weeks.

It was the home team who sparked into life quickest, Magic making a confident and seamless start. Good flow on attack, accurate shooting and strong defensive hustle were rewarded with an early 5-1 lead.

Wing attack Grace Rasmussen was a key figure with her flair, vision and perfect placement into shooters Jo Harten and Paseka.

As befitting the occasion, Steel came back with a strong showing to chip away at a five-goal deficit with a tight contest ensuing. The visitors found their timing on attack with Gina Crampton providing key shooting weapon Jhaniele Fowler-Reid a more consistent supply of ball while defensive turnovers left the Magic with a narrow 15-14 lead at the first break.

A real arm wrestle developed on the resumption, the Magic again jumping out to a little buffer before Steel reeled them back in.

Named the New Zealand Conference Most Valuable Player this week, the lofty Fowler-Reid was an influential beacon under the Steel hoop. Hauling in every bomb that came her way, the Jamaican import was up for the challenge with her handy positioning and pin-point shooting accuracy.

Her shooting partner Te Paea Selby-Rickit was not having the same fortune, a clutch of misses giving defenders Leana de Bruin and Manu’a key rebound opportunities in helping Magic just keep their noses in front.

There was very little between the teams in a tight and even opening half, the Magic heading into the main break holding a 30-28 lead.

Both teams made changes for the second half with Casey Kopua, continuing her return from a long term injury replacing Manu’a in Magic’s line-up. Steel also made a defensive change with Jane Watson coming on for Storm Purvis as the tide began to turn the visitor’s way during a telling third stanza.

Four unanswered goals helped Steel hit the lead for the first time within five minutes, Magic clawing it back before the visitor’s gained the upper hand. Care and precision with the ball were the hallmarks of the Steel’s resurgence.

With a rock solid Crampton on attack, timely turnovers from athletic defender Phoenix Karaka and the unstoppable Fowler-Reid converting all that came her way, the Steel made massive strides when taking a 46-40 lead into the last break.

Magic shooting statistics:
Jo Harten 53/60 (88%)
Malia Paseka 12/13 (92%)
Ellen Halpenny 6/7 (85%)

Steel shooting statistics:
Jhaniele Fowler-Reid 58/64 (90%)
Te Paea Selby-Rickit 10/16 (62%)
Brooke Leaver 1/3 (33%)

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