The Mystics take on the Pulse in the penultimate round of the ANZ Premiership in Auckland. Photo: Thomas Hamill
The defending champions kept their finals hopes alive with an emphatic 10-goal win in their ANZ Premiership clash.
The Mystics overcame the two-minute suspension of their captain to outclass the Wellington side 68-58 in their penultimate round clash in Auckland.
Mystics skipper Michaela Sokolich-Beatson, playing at wing defence, was sent off for dangerous play in the third quarter.
The umpire ruled her challenge on Pulse midcourter Whitney Souness deserved the two-minute stint on the sidelines after the Mystics defender's arm clashed with Souness' head.
Grace Nweke. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2024 www.photosport.nz
Powerhouse Mystics goal shooter Grace Nweke was unstoppable as she returned to her best form for a full match, after missing a number of rounds with a patella tendon knee injury she suffered in May.
Nweke scored 57 goals, missing just seven goals, and pulling in eight rebounds in a dominant performance against Pulse captain Kelly Jackson.
The Mystics forged ahead in the second quarter after goal attack Filda Vui came into the game, to extend the home side's advantage to nine goals at half-time.
The Pulse were unable to put a dent in the Mystics' lead in the second half.
The win consolidated third place on the standings for the Mystics on 27 points, with the top three sides qualifying for the upcoming finals series.
The Pulse lead the competition on 34 points, ahead of the Tactix, with a game in hand, on 33 points.
On Sunday, the Tactix host the Magic in another crucial encounter in round 14.
Shooting stats
Mystics:
- Grace Nweke 89% (57/64)
- Filda Vui 83% (10/12)
- Dani Binks 50% (1/2)
Pulse:
- Martina Salmon 83% (19/23)
- Amelia Walmsley 83% (29/35)
- Tiana Metuarau 83% (10/12)