Magic 63
Tactix 56
The Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic have survived a huge scare in Rotorua, edging out the Canterbury Tactix.
After all the heartbreak the Canterbury region has endured it didn't seem fair the Tactix could come so agonisingly close to pulling off one of the biggest upsets in the club's history and walk away with nothing.
The Tactix looked the better side through the opening exchanges, leading 15-13 at the first break and stretching their advantage to five goals mid-way through the second period.
But the Magic defence rallied later in the spell, putting pressure on the Tactix midcourt to come up with several spectacular turnovers.
By halftime the Magic managed to level the score at 26-all to set up a thrilling second half. The Magic managed to build a slight lead, although they could only get in front by two or three goals each time.
The Tactix produced a big final quarter defence, limiting the Magic to just seven goals to see the scores locked at 47-all at the end of regular time.
But just as was the case against the Mystics just over a week ago, the Magic's experience in big game situations showed through in the tense final stages of the match.
Tactix midcourter Maree Bowden said the emotional toll of the last two weeks probably also showed in her side's play over the last few minutes.
"I think we were a few games short in match fitness having had that break, and also the emotional drain of the last few weeks also showed, which was disappointing, but god there was a lot of heart out there."
If Canterbury fans can take any heart from the result, it was that Christchurch-born Julianna Naoupu that did the damage for the Magic, stepping up in extra time to dominate the tempo in the shooting circle late in the match.
Naoupu took the pressure off shooting partner Irene van Dyk, who was kept quiet by Jamaican import Kasey Evering, doing a power of work around the circle and shouldering the bulk of the shooting responsibilities.
The 20-year-old finished with 37 from 41, outscoring the prolific van Dyk for possibly the first time in her Magic career.
Magic captain Laura Langman was thrilled with the contribution from Naoupu and their other unheralded players - Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick on defence and Jess Tuki in the midcourt.
"She was fantastic the key is in situations like that you want to have players on that want the ball and I think she was just the definition of that - putting up those shots and her availability was just fantastic," said Langman.
Knowing it was likely to be exceptionally emotional for the Tactix, game day organisers opted to hold a moment's silence before the teams commenced their warm-up.
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In last night's other ANZ Championship game, the New South Wales Swifts narrowly beat the West Coast Fever by 55 to 51 at Sydney's Olympic Park Sports Centre.
