LG Mystics show improvement

Tuesday, 20 April 2010

The LG Mystics fought hard during Monday night's round five matchup in Australia, before succumbing 62-51 to defending champions the MelbourneVixens.

The Mystics through-court defence was vastly improved from last week, managing to generate turnover ball early on in the game. Mystics defenders Joline Henry, Althea Byfield and Larrissa Willcox worked tirelessly and their combination was a key component of the Mystics second quarter revival.

The LG Mystics played smarter in the second stanza, looking to work the ball around rather than opt for the long bomb into shooter Cathrine Latu, and were rewarded with a six-goal run. Maria Tutaia fizzed into life in the second quarter as the Mystics closed the gap to trail by just 3 points at halftime with a score of 25-27.

Henry had possibly her best game of the season, her gritty defensive work complemented by a high work rate in bringing the ball through and some superbly placed feeding into the circle.

The Vixens went back to the basics in the third spell, and a five-goal streak - triggered by a harsh contact call on Henry - saw the margin extend to seven, but the Mystics dug deep and came back to trail 38-42 at the end of the third quarter.

The last 15 minutes saw momentum shift constantly, but the Vixens maintained composure to close out the win.

While this was a third loss for the LG Mystics, they can certainly take the positives out of this game.  Putting the loss of last weeks game to the Firebirds to the side,  and picking themselves up and showing that they are a team to be watched.