Mystics Magic
Both teams were coming off games the day before, and the Magic looked better early at Trusts Arena last night. Their midcourters pushed and pulled to stretch the Mystics’ defence, opening holes for clean feeds to their accurate shooting duo.
The Magic’s movement gave them an early four goal lead, as their shooters connected on their first 14 shots. That was as big as the lead would get in the first half, with the Mystics battling back to level proceedings by halftime.
It was a physical, largely well executed contest, with mistakes pounced upon and the battle for the ball causing several committed collisions. Magic stalwart Casey Kopua and Mystics upstart Michaela Sokolich-Beatson were constant presences defensively, while Sam Sinclair and Elisapeta Toeava had a superb battle.
The Mystics had slightly more trouble breaking down the Magic defence, but were potent striking on the counter attack, creating several goals from turnovers and earning an important disparity in attempts at goal.
They required all of that counterattacking prowess after falling into a six goal deficit in the third quarter, after the Magic ramped up the defensive intensity. However, a 7-0 run proved decisive for the Mystics, led by some long-distance bombs by Maria Tutaia and a slew of deflections from Sokolich-Beatson.
A one goal lead with a quarter remaining quickly extended to four in the final quarter, and despite a late flurry the Magic’s hopes of victory — and likely a spot in the playoffs — were cut short.
(M Tutaia 34/42, B Mes
Mystics 59
25/30)
Magic 58
(L Potgieter 39/42, M Falkner 19/24)