Vixens 61, hold out resurgent Mystics, 57
The Melbourne Vixens were given a fright before snatching a 61-57 win over a fast-finishing LG Mystics in ANZ Championship action in Auckland
The second best team in the competition appeared to be cruising at halftime with a comfortable 12-goal lead but faced some testing moments from the eighth-placed Mystics in a storming second half.
Completely outplayed in the first half, the Mystics reversed the roles with a compelling second half effort to dominate proceedings. But it was a relieved Vixens who held their nerve with the accuracy of shooter Caitlin Thwaites proving the difference.
All the early ball was with the visitors as Ashlee Howard grabbed a rare opportunity in the goal attack’s bib ahead of playmaker Sharelle McMahon. The slight Howard slipped in seamlessly to form a strong combination with impressive shooter Thwaites in the Vixens circle.
The Mystics came back into the game after the Vixens had establishing an early four-goal buffer as both traded goals for the remainder of the quarter.
The visitors kept their margin intact to close out the first quarter 18-14 ahead.
The well-drilled Vixens moved into overdrive on the resumption, their passage through court seemingly effortless as the score mounted in their favour.
The home team were unable to shut down the clinical efficiency of the Vixens on attack while at the other end of the court, the well-performed defensive combination of Julie Corletto and Bianca Chatfield made life tough for the Mystics shooters.
The pair picked off numerous intercepts as Cathrine Latu and Cookey struggled to make an impact. The pressure told on the home team as passes went astray and the error rate climbed.
The Vixens made the most of the extra turnover ball as they bolted out to a handsome 12-goal advantage through the accuracy of Thwaites and Howard while leaving the Mystics to feed off scraps.
The Vixens were strong in all facets, an impressive midcourt setting up both ends of the court into a position of dominance as they eased into halftime 36-24 ahead.
The introduction of defender Finau Pulu had a dramatic impact on the Mystics fortunes in the third quarter. Pulu pulled off a clutch of intercepts in the opening minutes on the back of a more committed defensive effort from her team-mates.
The new-found intent fused through the team as the attacking end found some spark and flow with Cookey and Latu showing some inspiring touches in the goal circle.
There was much more purpose throughout the court as the home team gradually pegged back the large deficit with Debbie White and George getting through a ton of work.
Deprived of the lion’s share of possession they had enjoyed earlier, the Vixens struggled at times to cope with the onslaught. However, their accuracy in the goal ensured they maintained a reduced lead when they headed into the last break 48-41 ahead.
With the Vixens clearly rattled a rampant Mystics failed to go away as their exciting chase continued through a thrilling final 15 minutes. Narrowing the margin to just two goals in the closing minutes, the Mystics were ultimately let down by a lack lustre first half for the second week in a row.
Pictured: Julie Corletto (Vixens) pressures Mystics shooter Cathrine Latu in their Round 12 match. (PHOTO: Michael Bradley)
