Official Result: Mainland Tactix V SKYCITY Mystics

Monday 25 April, 2016

Official Result & Statistics
Official Result: Mainland Tactix (56) def SKYCITY Mystics (55)
First time the Tactix have beaten the Mystics since 2013
Tactix Mwai Kumwenda MVP with 85% shooting and perceptive feeding
Mystics use full bench in action-packed encounter
A screaming “sea of red” helped carry the Mainland Tactix to a pulsating 56-55 victory over the SKYCITY Mystics for their first win of the season in Christchurch tonight.

In the intense battle between two sides desperate to secure their first victory for 2016, the match was peppered with collisions and close encounters with the floor. But both teams kept their heads in a thrilling countdown to the final whistle, where the Tactix’s fortitude – and the cheering red-clad crowd – were rewarded with maximum points for the win.

The Tactix started with a bang, putting three on the scoreboard before the Mystics successfully found the hoop. Goal attack Bailey Mes made it clear from the get-go that she was hungry for the ball and willing to shoot it.

The Mystics took their time finding shooter Cat Tuivaiti, trying to pick their way around the Tactix’ athletic defenders Zoe Walker and Jess Moulds. But the visitors quickly built the confidence to let the ball go, and with goal defence Anna Harrison beginning to rattle the Tactix shooters, the Mystics stole a run of six goals to take a four-goal lead.

Not all was going the Mystics way though, losing two players before the first quarter break: Temalisi Fakahokotau landing awkwardly on her ankle halfway through the first quarter, then Nadia Loveday following a few minutes later after a heavy fall. But both returned to the fray during the game.

Up 15-10 going into the second spell, the Mystics grew in strength to be seven goals up. Tuivaiti became another casualty, leaving the court to get her hand strapped, and Megan Craig came on. Again the Mystics used the new replacement rule wisely, and Tuivaiti returned to the game just before halftime.

But in her absence, the Tactix had reinforced their attack. Mes and Mwai Kumwenda displaying textbook communication, and the Tactix won the quarter by one. But still they trailed by four, 27-23, at halftime.

The home side returned to the court firing. New goal defence Louise Thayer did her job and stuck like glue to the Mystics’ outstanding chief controller, Maria Tutaia, in an effort to slow her down. Thayer immediately picked up an intercept that effectively closed the gap to two.

Mes and Kumwenda continued to have the crowd spellbound with their understanding, and brilliantly fed by Erikana Pedersen, the Tactix drew level 41-41 right on the third quarter final whistle.

It was goal for goal through the last stanza, until Moulds snatched the ball from Tuivaiti’s waiting hands in the final two minutes, and the Tactix turned that steal into victory.

Tactix Shooting Statistics
Mwai Kumwenda 29/34 (85%)
Bailey Mes 27/32 (84%)

Mystics Shooting Statistics
Cathrine Tuivaiti 29/31 (94%)
Maria Tutaia 25/30 (83%)
Megan Craig 1/1 (100%)

MVP: Mwai Kumwenda (Tactix)

ENDS.

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