LG Mystics return to winning form

Monday, 26 April 2010

The LG Mystics returned to winning form in round six of the ANZ Championship on Saturday, defeating the Canterbury Tactix 59-50 in Waitakere.

With veterans Temepara George and Jenny-May Coffin dominating the midcourt, the LG Mystics were always in charge after they got out of the blocks early to establish an 18-10 advantage by the end of the opening quarter.

Precision shooting from Cathrine Latu kept the Mystics dominant, despite aggressive defense from Tactix goal keep Megan Hutton.

"She's just been pulled out of retirement and so I don't think her heart's in it but I was prepared for that," Latu said. "She used to be kind of a mental block for me."

"Me and Cathrine always have a battle," Hutton said.

"It's always tough between the both of us. She's a fantastic player and I really rate her highly."

The accuracy of Latu and her shooting partner Maria Tutaia in the end ensured the Mystics got the result they wanted, Latu having an outstanding match as she finished with 33 goals from 34 attempts. Goal attack Tutaia slotted 26 from 31, many of them from distance as she showed a willingness to shoot from longer range.

At the other end of the court, Jamaican defender Althea Byfield proved her worth for the Mystics with a committed performance as she relentlessly pressured the Tactix shooters.

"It was great to have a win ... we've forgotten what it felt like," said jubilant Mystics coach Te Aroha Keenan.

Keenan was critical of her side's inability to further extend their lead.

"When you get a lead like that, you should be able to push on from there and that was the intention," Keenan said.

The LG Mystics round seven match-up is on Monday 3rd May, where they will take on the WBOP Magic at their home turf in Hamilton