A buzzer beater from Avis Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic shooter Saviour Tui has netted her team an emotional one-goal victory – their first win of the season.
A last-second goal saw the Magic claim a 51-50 win over Stars Netball at Claudelands Arena on Saturday, leaving the Stars with work to do to keep their Finals Series hopes alive.
The Stars take a valuable bonus point from the contest, but their Finals Series hopes will now depend heavily on results elsewhere.
Experience was the go-to for Stars coach Temepara Bailey who opted for Samon Nathan at centre, in the continued absence of Mila Reuelu-Buchanan, while veteran Leana de Bruin got the nod at goal keeper.
The defensive unit of Erena Mikaere, Oceane Maihi and Edgecombe tightened the screws on the Stars frontline, picking up crucial gains as they applied sustained pressure. Stars newcomer Teuila Sotutu replaced Nathan with just over five minutes to play, but little could rattle the Magic team which went into the quarter break with a 16-10 lead.
The Stars kept their composure to stay in touch, weathering the full-court defensive pressure from the Magic.
Bailey made just one change on the resumption of play with de Bruin and Kate Burley switching bibs as the Stars surged into the second spell with a three-goal run – releasing the ball quickly into Amelia Walmsley who was a strong target in the circle.
Nathan also returned to the court, coming on for Claire O’Brien at wing attack as the visitors looked to penetrate the Magic defensive wall.
But a turnover picked up by Mikaere swung momentum again as the Magic started to take control before a time out for the Stars and two-point shot to Martina Salmon helped close the gap again to five goals.
A frenzied finish to the half left the difference at five, the Stars trailing 24-29 at the main break and the titanic tussle continued into the third quarter.
Errors from both teams marred the late stages for the quarter and it was the Stars which made the most of the messiness and dominated the last five minutes to level the score at 37-37 with one spell to play.
The Stars are back at home against the Pulse on Sunday.
