Despite a much-improved performance, the Mainland Tactix remain winless after three rounds of the ANZ Premiership thanks to the impressive last-gasp efforts of teen Auckland star Grace Nweke.
The Tactix went down 53-52 to the Northern Mystics in Auckland last night, with Nweke scoring the game-winning goal in the final seconds of the thrilling contest.
Nweke snatched a long lob from Peta Toeava — later named player of the match — between the arms of two Tactix defenders and managed to get a shot off just before the clock ran it.
The ball hit the back side of the rim but a favourable bounce saw it eventually fall and the Auckland crowd erupt.
Despite the Tactix's third-straight loss to start the season, the southerners came away with a big positive in the return of goal attack Te Paea Selby-Rickit from a pre-season ankle injury.
Selby-Rickit entered the game in the second quarter and immediately had an impact on the Tactix attack. Although she was only expected to play 30 minutes, she ended up playing 45 and ensured the Tactix won their first quarter of the season, and notched up their first point.
Nweke shot 88 per cent for the Mystics, while Ellie Bird shot 87 per cent for the Tactix.
The Northern Stars are the only unbeaten team after three rounds and top the table from the Mystics, Steel, Pulse, Magic and Tactix.
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