Ameliaranne Ekenasio. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic came from behind to beat the Northern Mystics 57-56 in an extra time thriller in their ANZ Premiership clash in Hamilton.
Rebounding from a 19-goal loss last week, the Magic were again staring down the barrel when surrendering a 10-goal deficit at the first quarter break against the Mystics but they would then win the following three-quarters.
It was the second biggest quarter time deficit during which a team has gone on to win an ANZ Premiership match, the Steel prevailing over the Tactix after being down by 13 at the first quarter break in 2019.
That left the scores tied up at 53-all at fulltime, resulting in two three-minute spells of extra time. In a nail-biter, the home side nudged to a one-goal advantage after the first three minutes.
With a minute to go and the scores level, the Magic secured the all-important turnover with captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio nailing the winning penalty shot with time up.
For the previously unbeaten Mystics, there will be plenty of reflection in how this one got away.
The Magic shooter Ekenasio was MVP of the game with 29 goals from 34 attempts.
