The Northern Mystics have finished their embattled season on a high note with a 60-54 upset win over the league-leading Central Pulse in Auckland on Monday night.
Anchored at the bottom of the ANZ Premiership, the Mystics showcased some of the young talent in their ranks and put together an all-round team performance to earn their fourth win of the season.
There's no better example of the promise in their squad than 17-year-old shooter Grace Nweke, who sank 47 of her attempts on goal, while Elisapth Toeava and Erena Mikaere both proved their quality.
Mikaere took the court and immediately made an impact, guiding the Mystics through a shaky period of play late in the second quarter to help them secure a halftime lead - the first time all season that the Pulse had trailed at the interval.
Mystics captain Phoenix Karaka stepped to the fore in the second half, leading a late defensive stand to ensure her side held on for the win.
Karaka said it was the kind of performance she knew her team was capable off, despite how long it took to get there.
"We knew we could bring it to them," insisted Karaka. "We grinded the whole game and that's what we've wanted all season.
"To finally do that - even though we ended on the bottom of the table - I'm really proud of my girls."
Newshub.
