Tactix win to keep playoff hopes alive
The Mainland Tactix have been long known as one of New Zealand’s weakest franchises, having never made the playoffs in their 11-year history.
But the Christchurch-based side are on the brink of securing a spot in the ANZ Premiership elimination final after defeating the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic 62-60 last night.
In a tight contest at Hamilton’s Claudelands Arena, the Tactix claimed their first ANZ Premiership victory over the Magic to overtake the third-placed Northern Mystics and stake a claim for the playoffs.
The wait is now on to see whether the Mystics will pull off an upset win over the Central Pulse tomorrow night. Should the Northern side claim victory over the league leaders, they will face the Southern Steel in next Wednesday’s elimination final in Invercargill.
Injured Magic captain Casey Kopua will no doubt be disappointed with her side finishing bottom of the Premiership after an injury-ravaged campaign.
The Magic defence continued to waver without their influential skipper, while leading Tactix duo Temalisi Fakahokotau and Jane Watson caused early problems for the Waikato-Bay of Plenty shooters.
Working in unison to contain the accurate Lenize Potgieter, the defending duo limited the Magic’s scoring opportunities. And with sharpshooter Ellie Bird in sublime form, the Tactix secured an early lead.
Briefly widening their advantage in the second quarter, the Tactix returned to the court with energy and passion. But the Magic proved they were just as desperate and kept the pressure on their Mainland rivals.
Providing plenty of speed and spark throughout the midcourt, Tactix centre Kimiora Poi ensured her side gained momentum but it wasn't enough to shake the resilient Magic, with only a slim one-goal lead at halftime.
The Tactix struggled to decisively pull ahead on the scoreboard in the final quarters as the Magic clawed their way back into the match with goal-for-goal play.
But although the Magic fought hard, the Tactix held their ground with grit and determination.
With a stunning run of goals from Bird in the final minutes, the Tactix secured victory in one of the most exhilarating matches of the season.
The Mystics play the Pulse tomorrow night at Wellington’s TSB Bank Arena in the last game of the regular season.