New-look Pulse keep composure for last-gasp win

Media Release
Monday 4 April, 2016

Official Result & Statistics
Official Result: Central Pulse (57) def Cold Power Magic (56)
New-look Pulse keep composure for last-gasp win
18-year-old shooter Maia Wilson makes stunning debut
Magic’s frequent surges not enough to break clear

A fresh-faced Central Pulse has held on for a thrilling 57-56 victory over the Cold Power Magic in their opening match of the 2016 ANZ Championship in Wellington.

Captain Katrina Grant admitted after the game “the Pulse of old” would not have been able to pull back the game from the clutches of a more established Magic side, and win.

One of the stand-out performers in the match was 18-year-old Maia Wilson who’s stepped up to replace injured veteran Jodi Brown and shot a composed 34 from 38.

The first quarter was played at a frenetic pace, with patches of scrappy play as both sides tried to settle into their first match of the season.

The Pulse poured on defensive pressure from the get-go, testing the patience of the Magic midcourt and disrupting their flow. But centre Samantha Sinclair kept calm and carried on, ensuring the Magic shooters Jo Harten and Malia Paseka were dished up sharp, clean ball. They trailed the Pulse by just one, 16-15, at the first break.

But it was the young shooters at the other end of the court who found their rhythm first. Silver Fern Ameliaranne Wells and Wilson played like a much more experienced pairing; Wilson standing strong under the post, and Wells creating play and finishing off with her elegant high shots.

Trailing 29-26 at halftime, the Magic made a defensive change, bringing on Katherine Coffin – a late addition to the squad – and moving Kristiana Manu’a back into the goal keep spot she’s more accustomed to.

The change immediately paid dividends, with four consecutive goals in the middle of the spell propelling Magic into a lead they quickly built to four. But the momentum swung back again as the quarter ebbed away, and a string of intercepts by goal keep Phoenix Karaka saw the Pulse lead 43-41 at the final break.

The Magic turned to the level-headed Ellen Halpenny to stabilise their shooting circle and the balance of power continued to seesaw. With five minutes remaining, the Pulse stormed to a five-goal lead with the experience of midcourters Elias Scheres and Chelsea Locke coming to the fore, before the Magic surged again.

When Manu’a stole the ball from the Pulse with 10 seconds remaining, the Magic had the chance to level the scores, but Harten’s shot heartbreakingly rolled around the rim and out.

Central Pulse shooting statistics:
Maia Wilson: 34/38 (89%)
Ameliaranne Wells: 23/27 (85%)

Cold Power Magic shooting statistics:
Joanne Harten: 34/40 (85%)
Malia Paseka: 17/20 (85%)
Ellen Halpenny: 5/5 (100%)

MVP: Ameliaranne Wells (Pulse)

END

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