Late Super Shots Help Mystics Squeeze Past Steel

Scoop

9 hours ago

Two vital super shots helped the Northern Mystics grab a tense 56-52 win in a momentum-swinging spectacle against a gallant Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel in front of a sold-out crowd in Auckland on Sunday.
Both teams had everything to play for, with the Mystics chasing the hosting rights for the Grand Final and the Steel chasing a spot in the Series Finals, the tense atmosphere sitting heavily throughout.
Both coaches called tactical timeouts during the final five minutes after the Steel, showing all their renowned spirit and grit, turned a three-goal three-quarter time deficit into a one-goal lead with just over five minutes to play.
The Mystics timeout worked in their favour, with their efforts to limit penalties and retain the ball paying dividends, while super shot specialist Filda Vui stepped up in the heat of the moment to calmly nail two double-pointers.
With time running out, the Steel lost any opportunity with panicky play as they desperately sought a miracle change in fortunes but deservedly came away with a bonus point.
With their season hanging, the Steel also had milestone celebrations to add to the mix with midcourter Kate Heffernan lining up for 100th national league match and Carys Stythe her 50th.
Umpire Cory Nicholls added to the game's special moments when taking charge of his 50th ANZ Premiership match.
In an exciting opening, the lead changed hands several times, both teams taking time to settle into the match where defence played a big part. The Mystics all-smothering unit defence proved effective while the Steel employed a zone defence which was as equally valuable.
Respective rising young goalkeepers Catherine Hall, for the home side, and Stythe picked off the spoils as both sides traded turnovers. A late rally, iced by a super shot with five seconds remaining gave the Mystics a 16-12 buffer at the first break.
The second stanza followed a similar trend, the Steel getting off to the best of starts before being reeled in by the home side.
The visitors did a terrific job of shutting down the Mystics attacking options to force the hosts into error while eating into the deficit early in the piece. On the other hand, the Steel showed resolute patience on attack with Georgia Heffernan and Dunn all composure under the hoop before momentum swung the other way.
With the Steel momentarily hitting the lead, the introduction of Katie Te Ao at centre for the Mystics and the defensive work of Hall, Holly Rae and Michaela Sokolich-Beatson helped turn the tide.
Te Ao and Peta Toeava found their connections with strike shooter Donnell Wallam in building an impressive attacking unit while continued pressure at the other end put the squeeze on the Steel.
Enjoying more possession, the Mystics finished with a strong surge to build a 30-24 lead at the main break.
With both sides taking great care of their possession, the pair traded goals through the opening five minutes of the third stanza.
Wallam, who at times was unstoppable and finishing with the striking figures of 45 from 49, remained the steadying rock under the Mystics hoop but the Steel were far from done in delivering a threatening response. Showing creativity on attack and defensive ability to create turnover opportunities, momentum once again took another swing.
With a big lift in energy after denying the Mystics in the attacking third and picking off valuable ball, through Kimiora Poi, Renee Savai'inaea, Abby Lawson and Stythe, the southerners cut into the deficit.
The ice-cool Dunn, who delivered an impressive 38 from 38 return from the match, played the perfect role in the Steel circle with her poise, positioning and pin-point accuracy as the Steel went on to win the quarter 16-13. That left the match delicately-poised and up for grabs when the Mystics led 43-40 at the last turn.