Kia Magic secure New Zealand Conference crown after win over SKYCITY Mystics
Monday 8 June 2015 12:36, UK
England international Joanne Harten played a starring role as the Kia Magic snatched the New Zealand Conference title with a 57-54 win over the SKYCITY Mystics.
The former Loughborough Lightning player, who was named in the long squad for the World Cup, ended with 35 points from 38 shots as Magic held on for a tense win.
This result means the Magic will be handed hometown advantage in their semi-final against NSW Swifts, who finished second in the Australian Conference.
Mystics must now face the Mission Queensland Firebirds, the Australian champions, in the other semi-finals with four teams battling it out for the ANZ Championship title.
The Firebirds finished top of the Australian table after extending their lengthy winning run with a 55-44 victory over the Swifts.
Australian Conference MVP Romelda Aiken and defender Laura Geitz impressed for the Queensland side, who have not suffered a defeat since early March.
