29June, 2024 AVIS Magic continued their upward trendwith a thrilling hard-fought 51-47 win over the Stars toconsolidate third spot on the table in Tauranga onSaturday. Pocketing a third straight win, the Magicalso completed a clean sweep over the Stars this seasonwhich has provided a close contest on each occasion. Itconsigned the visitors to a record ninth bonus point forthis campaign, an ANZ Premiership record.
An outrightwin was the only chance the Stars had of keeping theirFinals Series prospects alive while the Magic were keen tokeep their winning streak rolling. As such, theimportance of the occasion was not lost on either side, thepair delivering a riveting spectacle which swung back andforth to remain on a knife edge throughout. With the Magicputting up 58 shots and the Stars 57, shooting accuracyultimately proved the difference.
In the wake ofinjury to Ali Wilshier, the experienced Ariana Cable-Dixoncemented her spot at centre to get the start for the Magicin an otherwise settled line-up. For the Stars, MonicaFalkner got the start at goal attack while Tori Kolose (wingattack) and Holly Mather (centre) continued their buddingmidcourt relationship. The teams played out anenthralling first half during which momentum ebbed andflowed, allowing for one side to dominate for a spell beforethe other charged back to keep the game on anedge.
Terrific defence from both sets of in-circledefenders meant patience and accuracy were required as theflow from both teams was slowed. The.
