Central Pulse 50 Northern Mystics 61
The Mystics scored a patchy win over the Pulse in their ANZ Championship clash at Porirua yesterday.
The Mystics, with a much-vaunted and newly strengthened line-up, showed only occasional glimpses of their potential, easing out in the final quarter to cement the victory after leading 26-24 at halftime.
In contrast, the Pulse showed huge improvement on their dismal showing last week when they flatlined with a 48-54 loss to Canterbury Tactix, but also struggled to find consistency and were eventually worn down in the closing 15 minutes.
Both teams were error-ridden early on, the Mystics midcourt taking time to fire as the Pulse defensive zone forced them to work overtime in an effort to find the path through to shooters Catherine Latu and Maria Tutaia.
The two shooters worked well, despite some close attention from the Pulse defence, English international Ama Agbeze and Silver Fern Katrina Grant. Agbeze was particularly destructive out of the circle.
Latu's holding game and steady eye meant she still managed a 92 per cent success rate, while Tutaia finished on 86 per cent.
For the Pulse, captain and goal shoot Jane Altschwager looked steadier than last week, but at only 62 per cent accuracy, she left Pulse coach Yvette McCausland-Durie little option at halftime, and youngster Te Amo Amaru-Tibble took the Australian's place.
With the always steady Paula Griffin, Amaru-Tibble had to work hard against some classy Mystics defence. Joline Henry's return from injury freed up goal keep and Jamaican international Althea Byfield.
The game never really flowed, and the Mystics still looked vulnerable at 41-37 ahead with 15 minutes remaining.
Mystics coach Te Aroha Keenan brought on former Silver Fern Jenny-May Coffin for Grace Rasmussen at wing attack, and she worked well with Temepara George.
The victory leaves the Mystics in a strong position early in the 14-week competition leading into the playoffs, but with plenty of work ahead to cut down on the error rate.
- NZPA
