The GoSweetSpot Mystics have secured the 2026 ANZ Premiership Minor Premiership after holding off a determined Avis Magic side 53-42 in Auckland.
The victory extends the Mystics’ winning streak to seven matches and guarantees them top spot on the ladder, a week off before finals and the right to host the ANZ Premiership Grand Final on June 27.
While the ladder positions suggested a comfortable outing for the competition leaders, the Magic produced one of their strongest performances of the season, pushing the Mystics deep into the contest before the home side’s experience proved decisive in the closing stages.
The Magic came out firing, matching the Mystics in intensity and creating early scoreboard pressure before the competition leaders responded with a dominant finish to the opening quarter.
Led by the defensive pairing of captain Michaela Sokolich-Beatson and veteran Phoenix Karaka, the Mystics shut down the visitors’ attacking momentum, finishing the first quarter with an eight-goal unanswered run to establish a 15-7 advantage.
The Magic refused to fade and produced an impressive response in the second quarter.
Wing defence Georgie Edgecombe disrupted the influence of Peta Toeava while Oceane Maihi and Erena Mikaere applied relentless pressure through the defensive circle, forcing the Mystics into errors and limiting scoring opportunities.
At the attacking end, Saviour Tui was outstanding, producing a flawless first-half shooting performance and helping the visitors claw their way back into contention.
The Magic levelled the scores midway through the second quarter before the Mystics edged ahead to take a narrow 23-22 lead into halftime.
The arm wrestle continued after the break, with both sides trading momentum and neither willing to concede ground.
Sophia Lafaiali’i made a significant impact after being introduced under the Mystics hoop, combining effectively with the experienced Filda Vui to restore stability in attack.
At the defensive end, Karaka delivered one of her most influential performances of the season, constantly disrupting the Magic’s attacking flow and creating crucial turnover opportunities.
Despite a spirited challenge from the visitors, including a valuable two-point shot from Sarah Guiney, the Mystics gradually extended their advantage during the third quarter to take a 39-34 lead into the final break.
With the Minor Premiership on the line, the home side found another gear in the closing stages, tightening their defence and capitalising on key opportunities to pull away and secure an 11-goal victory.
The result caps a remarkable late-season surge for the Mystics and confirms their status as the team to beat heading into the finals series.
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