Official Result & Statistics: Fever v Magic

Official Result & Statistics

Official Result: West Coast Fever (58) def Cold Power Magic (44)
• In their fifth attempt, the Fever finally beat the Magic in NZ
• Natalie Medhurst MVP shoots 88 percent in her 121st game
• The Magic equal their longest ever ANZ Championship losing run of six matches
It may have taken nine seasons, but the West Coast Fever have finally toppled the Cold Power Magic in New Zealand, doing so in emphatic style, winning 58-44 in Tauranga.

Three powerful quarters from the Fever – marked by pure speed and tenacity - ensured they won their fourth game of the season, and regained third place on the Australian Conference ladder.

Although the Magic were uplifted by dominating the final quarter 15-9, it simply wasn’t enough to break their record run of losses – remaining without a win in 2016. It was only too obvious that they are still missing the experience and composure of the injured Leana de Bruin and Grace Rasmussen.

Fever coach Stacey Rosman took the opportunity to give all of her team court-time and was more than happy with the way they responded after a eight-day break since their loss to the Steel.

The game began with the promise of being a much closer encounter, both sides goal-for-goal for the first half of the opening quarter, with the Magic matching the Fever’s quick tempo. But the Fever took control by forcing the Magic attack into unforced errors under their one-on-one marking.

Captain Ashleigh Brazill, who has been battling with a knee injury, led the Fever midcourt in building a wall the Magic attackers struggled to scramble over. The dogged Magic wrestled for ball, but then couldn’t keep hold of it to convert it into goals.

While the Magic’s promising teenage goal keep Kelly Jury did her best to put pressure on Caitlin Bassett, winning some vital ball throughout the game, both Bassett and Natalie Medhurst did not miss a shot in the first quarter, which the Fever won 17-11.

Ellen Halpenny entered the game at goal attack for the Magic at the start of the second quarter, replacing Malia Paseka. But the Magic were continuously flummoxed by the Fever defence, especially goal keep Courtney Bruce, and couldn’t finish off.

The fluidity with which the Fever flew through court was impressive and the long-time understanding between Bassett and Medhurst was telling, as the Fever extended to 33-17 at halftime. Bassett ended her night with 36 from 40 attempts, while Medhurst was rewarded with the MVP for her solid supporting role.

After halftime, the Fever brought Ingrid Colyer on at wing attack to add a new dynamic to their attack, and further enhanced their tally to lead 49-29 going into the final stanza – a 20-goal chasm that proved too wide for the home side to leap.

Nevertheless, they didn’t stop trying. The introduction of former Silver Fern shooter Paula Griffin sparked a heartening comeback of sorts. With Joanne Harten enjoying more freedom at goal attack, the Magic scored six consecutive goals at the start of the fourth quarter and winning it 15-9.

Magic Shooting Statistics
Joanne Harten 25/33 (76%)
Malia Paseka 12/18 (67%)
Ellen Halpenny 1/7 (14%)
Paula Griffin 6/8 (75%)

Fever Shooting Statistics
Caitlin Bassett 36/40 (90%)
Natalie Medhurst 15/17 (88%)
Kaylia Stanton 7/10 (70%)

MVP: Natalie Medhurst (Fever)

ENDS

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