The Magic have once again proven their reputation as the pluckiest team in the ANZ Championship, upstaging the Southern Steel in the deep south to retain the New Zealand conference title.
As they have made a habit of doing in recent seasons, the Magic stumbled through the early rounds of the competition, but have found momentum at the right time, dealing the Steel their first loss of the year, 59-57.
Fresh off a 17-goal demolition of the Northern Mystics in last week's elimination final, the Waikato-Bay of Plenty side raced out of the blocks this afternoon, surging out to an 11-goal lead mid-way through the second quarter. Faced with the unfamiliar position of being in chase mode, the Steel looked rattled in the first half, which only led to further mistakes.
Some halftime inspiration from coach Noeline Taurua helped put the Steel back on the right course, as they set about eating into the Magic's healthy margin, reducing the deficit to five heading into the final turn.
Cheered on by a sold-out crowd at Stadium Southland, the Steel levelled the score at 53-53 with six minutes remaining in the contest.
But the Magic, who have featured in every final series since the competition's inception, had the composure when it counted, with a vital turnover to inspirational defender Leana de Bruin effectively sealing the two-goal win.
