Mystics topple Steel in Invercargill

Apr 6, 2014 - 9:20 AM The Northern Mystics held their nerve over the closing minutes to upset Southern Steel 67-61 in their trans-Tasman league match at Invercargill.

Led by a brilliant game from Silver Ferns centre Laura Langman and a perfect 46-from-46 return from goal shoot Cathrine Latu, the Mystics lodged their second win from six games.

It lifts them to the same record as the Steel, whose two-game winning streak came to an end. The Steel remain eighth and the Mystics ninth on the ANZ Championship ladder.

The portents weren't good for the home side when they lost experienced midcourter Phillipa Finch to injury during the warmups.

There was never more than a goal between the teams in a high-scoring first quarter before the Mystics unleashed an 8-1 scoring burst early in the second.

They led 36-32 at halftime before the Steel tightened up considerably to dominate the third quarter and lead 49-48.

Another Mystics surge over the closing minutes, sparked by the intensity of Langman, proved the difference.

Captain Maria Tutaia sunk 20 of 27 at goal attack for the Mystics and used her mobility to good effect.

Goal defence Anna Harrison struck up a solid partnerships with New Zealand age group representative goal keep Temalisi Fakahokotau in the second half when trying to contain prolific shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Reid.

Latu came out on top in the clash of the two most accurate shooters in the league.

Her perfect return on Sunday gives her a 93.6 per cent success ratio this season, while towering Jamaican Fowler-Reid is at 92.7 per cent after her 47 from 49 tally.

Source: AAP